The Mazza Museum, located in the heart of the campus of the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio is not on that many people’s radar screens. But if you are a children’s book illustrator or author, librarian, children’s librarian or a learning specialist, the Mazza Museum is an incredible treasure and resource. The museum boasts a rapidly growing collection of over 19,000 original works of picture book art: sketches, book dummies and final artwork in all media.

University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is the world’s largest collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators. The Museum’s goal is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.

The museum holds two conferences a year. The Summer Conference is a 3-4 day event with three keynote presentations each day by book illustrators and other creators. An array of diverse breakout sessions and book signings fill out the full days. I was there for the entire conference despite not presenting until the last day. I was able to catch memorable presentations by my colleagues:

• Matt Myers, Kathryn Otoshi and Javaka Steptoe

• Carmen Agra Deedy, Don Tate and Joyce Wan

• T.L. McBeth and Jacob Grant