June 20, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – Alexandra Day, the children’s book author/artist of the popular “Carl” series and her dog, Carl, will visit with the residents of the Marilyn and Gordon Macklin Intergenerational Institute, 15100 Birchaven, Lane, Findlay, on Friday, June 24, at 1:30 p.m.

Day’s visit is in conjunction with the Mazza Museum’s 2005 Summer Institute at The University of Findlay, June 20-24. She is one of the 15 keynote speakers for the institute.

Day’s many books include the popular “Carl” series, about a fierce-looking rottweiler who gently tends an infant. The real Carl is a trained therapy dog that visits children’s hospitals and assisted living facilities. Day is the author of more than 20 books including “Carl Goes Shopping,” “Follow Carl!” and “Darby, The Special Order Pup.”

The Seattle artist/author grew up in Cincinnati, lived in New York City and, with her husband, began The Green Tiger Press in Southern California. Her books have been on the New York Times hardcover best-seller list, and have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including Entertainment Weekly and People magazine.

The 2005 Mazza Summer Institute provides undergraduate and graduate credit, predominantly for teachers and school librarians. This year more than 200 participants from 32 states will come to hear the entertaining and educational tales told by prominent children’s book authors and illustrators.

Located in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on the UF campus, the Mazza Museum is raising funds for a $2.2 million campaign to expand the building by more than 11,000 square feet. The addition will provide more space for educational programs and for the preservation and protection of its artworks. Completion of the addition is scheduled for 2007.

For more information, contact Rebecca Shell, public relations officer, at 419-434-4345 or 41-343-8205.