Findlay, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2001 — The University of Findlay’s Mazza Collection of original art work from children’s picture books is featuring an exhibit of international art from children’s books from around the world.

The exhibit, which will run for about one year, features 21 pieces of art from 17 different countries, including Kuwait, Japan, Sweden, Israel, Finland, Chile, Austria, New Zealand, Italy and Greece. Most of the art works were gifts to the Mazza Collection from the embassies of the respective countries. The books that correspond to the art on exhibit are also on display, many of them in their native languages.

Many of these artworks are returning home to Findlay after being on tour with the Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C., for the past several years.

The Mazza Collection gallery, located in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on the UF campus, is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Customized tours are available by calling 419-434-4560.

The Mazza Collection, the first and largest teaching gallery in the world specializing in the art from children’s picture books, began in 1982 with four pieces of art valued at $1,700. Today, there are more than 2000 pieces of art valued at several million dollars. All the art in the collection is donated.