The Mazza Museum Studio Bus Tour, 2013

A big black tour bus pulled up to our house. I had expected a “bus” but not one that rock stars used for tours.  Even better than rock stars were the forty-two children’s book lovers from the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books who climbed down the steps of the bus and filed into my house.  I had to smile.

The purpose behind the Mazza Museum Studio Tour series is to visit a group of artists in different regions each year. This year they chose Southern California artists.  And the honor was mine!  

Retired librarian, Mary Wong from Arizona, initially suggested that the Mazza Museum contact me as a potential illustrator they might visit for the tour.  Among other things, Mary has been a powerful advocate for my book, A Boy Named Beckoning, and instrumental in getting this book into the Arizona school and public library system.

The Mazza Museum group, for the most part, came from Ohio.  The Museum was established in 1994 at the University of Findlay.  It is ‘the home of original artwork by the most distinguished and honored illustrators of children’s books. It has the distinction of being the first and largest teaching museum in the would specializing in children’s book art.’  The museum collection spans more than 100 years and includes works illustrated by Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, Ludwig Bemelmans, and Johnny Gruelle, and H.A. Rey!

What an exhilarating experience to see the
exuberant faces of adults who wanted to meet me
and view my humble studio and work. The morning was cool and overcast, just the way I like it!  The group moved through the house and studio and headed toward the tents set up for them.  I gave a brief lecture on how I approach my art for the books A Boy Named Beckoning and Red Bird Sings (Lerner/Carolroda).  I primarily focused on the historical collage elements and attention to cultural details, which were incorporated into the illustrations. I did this because I feel passionate about the approach and believe that these elements add dimension to each story.

Specifically, A Boy Named Beckoning, became my first published attempt at incorporating mixed media and acrylic. Careful attention was given to the backgrounds. Each was chosen to help the story move along. For Wassaja’s childhood I used bark paper. For his entry into the Anglo world and the west, I chose to paint the illustrations on wood contact paper. To depict Carlos’ life in Chicago I found a Chicago Tribune newspaper dated October 11, 1872!  On it I illustrated the scene of young Carlos Montezuma as he and his friends sell newspapers. Perhaps he sold the very newspaper I was painting on over 100 years later!

Red Bird Sings also presented interesting mixed media challenges. From the very beginning my co-author, QL Pearce and I had discussed which materials we would use to enhance the story on each spread. The cover, while painted with acrylics, is an example of the use of unique elements to augment the art. Its background was an enlargement from a song book Gertrude Simmons would have been familiar with in the late 1800’s. To add depth I also added real hair from a wig. The violin strings in the illustration are genuine and glued in place as is the bow, which is made of horsehair. 

     

The title page was exciting to create. When I couldn’t locate a feather from a small red bird, I gathered the molted feathers I had saved from my white parakeet and dyed them red. I sorted through antique doilies made by my great grandmother made and incorporated them into the art. Using faux suede contact paper, I recreated the look of Yankton Sioux moccasins. Finally, to present the Atlantic Monthly Magazine on which our book was based, I used period paper and copied the cover of the magazine.

Locating authentic visuals for each spread wasn’t always possible so I came up with ways to create items that would work. If I couldn’t find actual old newspapers, I fabricated them with newsprint using the original scanned articles. Fortunately I was able to find many items. The white and yellow ribbons with the gold medallion found on page 21 are from a post card that was from Earlham College. The newspaper clipping found on page 25, is an actual ad from a period newspaper. I included flowers and buffalo grass that were indigenous to the region to give a greater dimension.  Of course, on each spread a red bird can be found! 

Of these illustrations three were chosen to be part of the Mazza Museum’s permanent collection: 

Red Bird Sings cover and title page. And, A Boy Named Beckoning’s Chicago/Newspaper page.

After discussing my work on Beckoning and Red Bird Sings, I gave the tour group a preview of upcoming projects that my co-author and I had recently developed.  Under  the pergola I displayed a number of illustrations and featured them in my presentation. I received a great response to the stories. Dr. Jerry Mallett encouraged me by saying, “You MUST get these published!” Who could argue with such a dynamic man?  I’m convinced that Q and I are on the right path in presenting these stories to publishers.

I’m sure that anyone who has had the Mazza touring group visit was made to feel special, that’s just the way the group is. However, for one hour and 45 minutes I was made to feel ‘queen for a day’.  

I must express special appreciation to Mary Wong of Arizona, for among other things,  suggesting me for the Mazza Museum tour.  I am forever grateful to Benjamin Sapp, Director of the Mazza Museum; and, the genius and founder of the museum, Dr. Jerry Mallett who showed such enthusiasm for my work. These two gentlemen were warm and generous with their time and encouragement.

It was a privilege to be have been a part of the Mazza Museum Studio Tour and to meet all the sweet members who disembarked from that great black touring bus on June 26, 2013. Grand wishes for the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books!

Gina Capaldi, 6/2013

The Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books also includes ‘five galleries, an amphitheater, library, children’s art studio, art vault and gift shop, to name just a few of its many features. There is an interactive area to reinforce the ‘creative nature and art and literacy.” An important element of the museum, the Dr. Jerry Mallett Institute, offers children’s programs, adult conferences and professional developments, and contains a ‘wealth of materials and references on children’s books available for research purposes.” I could go on about this amazing museum and you should check them out at www.mazzamuseum.org.