The Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books is an art museum located at The University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. It is devoted to illustrations from children's picture books.HistoryThe museum dates from the 100th anniversary of Findlay College in 1982. Each academic division in the school was given $2,000 to create a special event for the year. Dr. Jerry Mallett in the Teacher Education division proposed starting a collection of children's book artwork and periodically bringing an important creator of children's books to speak. "I thought it would be nice to have something, not just for that year, but something permanent that would benefit the institution, the community and our majors on a permanent basis."Expenses quickly surpassed the $2,000 grant but a donation by Findlay alumni August and Aleda Mazza allowed the museum to be established and it now bears their name.CollectionThe Mazza Museum has grown from four pieces valued at $1,700 to more than 8,000 original illustrations. It has hosted over 300 book artists, authors and experts. The museum's collection includes original works by Steven Kellogg, Patricia Polacco, Ted Rand, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Tomie dePaola, Tomi Ungerer, Willi Glasauer, Hans Wilhelm, and many others.
