Mazza Museum to Host November Conference in Findlay

FINDLAY, Ohio — Area teachers, librarians and picture book enthusiasts are invited to the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum for its Fall Weekend Conference Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7, 2026. The two-day event will feature presentations from leading authors and illustrators in the picture book industry, along with opportunities to meet the creators and explore the art behind their work.

Dan Chudzinski, director of the Mazza Museum, looks forward to welcoming attendees for the annual celebration of children’s literature and illustration.

“We are thrilled to provide visitors with the opportunity to hear the stories behind the storytellers,” Chudzinski said. “Plus, they can meet their favorite authors and illustrators and view world-class art in Findlay, Ohio.”

This year’s conference will feature seven keynote speakers, door prizes, autograph opportunities and a fully stocked gift shop. The winner of the new national Spark Award Contest also will be announced.

Featured speakers include:

Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey — The award-winning author-illustrator duo known as the Pumphrey Brothers has created acclaimed picture books, including The Old Truck and Somewhere in the Bayou. Their illustrations for There Was a Party for Langston, written by Jason Reynolds, earned Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor recognition.

Matthew Reinhart — An acclaimed paper engineer, author and illustrator, Reinhart is known for his elaborate pop-up books. His work includes Wicked Pop-up, Pop-up Playtime Masks: Dinosaurs and the bestselling STAR WARS: Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy, along with pop-up books inspired by popular fantasy and science fiction franchises.

Hannah Salyer — A Brooklyn, New York-based author and illustrator, Salyer creates picture books that explore the natural world, history and the connections between living things. Her works include Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art, We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together and The Class With Wings.

Kim Taylor — A speech-language pathologist and accomplished quilter, Taylor combines storytelling and textile art in her work. Her debut picture book, A Flag for Juneteenth, features illustrations created through quilting and reflects African American life and history.

Maria van Lieshout — Born and raised near Amsterdam, van Lieshout became a full-time illustrator in 2000 and has written and illustrated numerous picture books. Her graphic novel Song of a Blackbird showcases her work across storytelling formats.

Kaz Windness — An award-winning author and illustrator, Windness creates humorous and heartfelt books for young readers, with a focus on inclusivity, kindness and perseverance. Her books include Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, a Geisel Honor recipient, and Time Travelling Chickens: Bawk to the Future.

The conference offers an opportunity for educators, librarians, students and book enthusiasts to learn from accomplished creators, discover new approaches to storytelling and illustration, and celebrate the role of picture books in education and the arts.

The full conference registration fee is $150. University of Findlay students, faculty and staff may attend free of charge by registering through the Mazza Museum. Non-University of Findlay college students and faculty are eligible for a reduced registration rate of $30.

For more information about the speakers and conference schedule, visit conference.mazzamuseum.org.

To register, visit oilers.findlay.edu/mazza-weekend-conference.

University of Findlay students, faculty and staff may email mazzamuseum@findlay.edu to register for free admission.