The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books opened the doors of its brand-new 9,000-square-foot addition to more than 200 children’s book lovers during a dedication ceremony May 4.

UF alumni and staff members Brianna Patterson, Angela Zeglen and Eric Lee posed for a photo with Wild Thing at the Mazza dedication.

As guests took their places underneath a standing-room only tent, they were greeted by children’s storybook characters Wild Thing, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Peter Rabbit. Dr. DeBow Freed, president of the University, began the program by noting the commitment of the many people involved in making the museum possible.

“We are here to celebrate the accomplishments of Mazza and those who have amply shown the drive, determination and generosity to make the addition possible,” said Freed. “The success of the fund raising campaign is testament to the devotion of a great number of people to the Mazza concept and practice, and to their persistence, good spirit and willingness to work. As with all campaigns, we are grateful to those who have contributed, whether the amounts are large or small.”

Jerry Mallett expressed his appreciation for all involved with the museum.

Jerry Mallett, Ed.D., director of the Mazza Museum, offered a message of gratitude to all involved. “To all of you patrons who helped with this addition, just know what a great thing you have done for our University, our local community, and indeed, for our national and international communities,” he said.

Mallett continued to discuss future plans for the museum, including the installation of the Miller Bronze Statuary in the Charles J. and Mariann Dana Younger Board Room, as well as a children’s reading garden outside. The garden will feature additional bronze statues of classic characters from children’s books.

Following Mallett’s comments, friends, supporters and docents of the museum described what visitors would see as they toured the new facility.

Cam Taylor spoke about the Larry L. and Joann M. Miles Mazza Students’ Art Exhibit. Jan Miller encouraged all to visit the Mazza Enthusiasts’ Gift Shop. Mariann Dana Younger expressed her appreciation for the beautiful Board Room. Sandy Reinhardt described the Alec and Sandy Reinhardt Children’s Art Studio, where children will have all of the supplies necessary to express their creativity. Peggy Havens explained the many benefits of the Dr. Philip and Mrs. Peggy Havens Art Resource Center.

Mariann Dana Younger in the Charles J. and Mariann Dana Younger Board Room

Sandy and Alec Reinhardt in the Alec and Sandy Reinhardt Children’s Art Studio, where many children will soon create original artworks.

Peggy Havens in the Dr. Philip and Mrs. Peggy Havens Art Resource Center, which contains hundreds of children’s books and other resources.

Michael Gardner then shared his thoughts on the museum and noted that his family instilled in him a love for the University. Gardner and his wife, Robin Gardner, both Findlay residents, donated $1 million last year, which enabled the campaign for the Mazza Museum addition to exceed its $2.2 million goal and to begin work so construction would be completed in time for the 25th anniversary of the Mazza Museum, which also marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of what was then Findlay College.

Ben Sapp spoke about the museum as a leader in education.

Ben Sapp, deputy director of the Mazza Museum, offered remarks as well: “This is a very exciting day for The University of Findlay with the opening of this spectacular and beautiful facility. I am very exited to have the opportunity to work here and proud to be a part of a growing and expanding museum…Since the opening of the additional space we have seen an increase in the number of children, students, teachers, librarians and others attending our museum and the many activities we are now able to provide.”

He also commented on how the museum has grown to be the leader in education and the conservation of children’s book art. According to Sapp, the museum has grown in many ways:

• The number of art acquisitions, from four to 3,200;

• The number of school tours annually, from less than six to more than 100;

• The number of educational programs for children and adults, from one to more than 25;

• The number of artists visiting each year, from one to 24.

Dr. C. Richard Beckett, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, described the museum as “a shining star” in the community.

Left to right: Michael Gardner, Robin Gardner, Larry Miles, Dr. Jerry Mallett, Dr. DeBow Freed, Dr. C. Richard Beckett and Barb Meyers.

The dedication ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting. Participants included Beckett, Freed, Mallett, Mazza Enthusiasts president Barbara Meyers and campaign chair Larry Miles.

The Mazza Museum has the distinction of being the first and largest teaching museum in the world specializing in original artwork from picture books. Its mission is to promote literacy through its educational programs and to collect, exhibit and preserve original art from children’s books.

Goals of the museum include encouraging visitors to view the best works of art available in the field of children’s book illustration, providing exemplary guided tours, presenting educational opportunities to both children and adults, serving as a center for study of the art of children’s books, working cooperatively with public and private schools, developing creative educational programs, offering museum-quality storage to archive original materials and providing gallery space to exhibit original works along with corresponding books and teaching tools.