Findlay, Ohio, July 1, 2004 – Area children will create illustrations for their own books during the Mazza Museum’s Summer Arts Camp July 5-9 at The University of Findlay.

During each day of the camp, Mazza Graduate Assistant Kate Lantz and volunteer teachers will introduce a different art technique and different media to the campers. The children will then produce illustrations using the techniques learned each day. By the end of the week each camper will have a completed book inspired by art displayed in the museum.

The camp will take place in two sessions, in the mornings and afternoons. Children who will be in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades this fall will attend the morning session, while incoming 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders will go to camp in the afternoon session.

The week will conclude with a reception in which campers’ parents and friends are invited to view the campers’ books. The campers will sign their books during this time. Both camp sessions’ book signings will take place on July 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

All forty-two camp slots are full, and the Mazza Museum has begun a waiting list should there be any openings.

The Mazza Museum of International Art from Children’s Picture Books is the first and largest teaching gallery of its kind in the world. The museum was founded in 1982 with four pieces and was named for the first benefactors, Dr. August Mazza and his late wife, Aleda, alumni of the University. Today, the Mazza Museum contains more than 2,300 pieces of original artwork and conducts extensive educational programs to promote literacy and a lifelong appreciation of literature and the arts. More than 5,000 individuals visit the Museum each year.