Area teachers, librarians, and all book lovers are invited to the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum for its Fall Weekend Conference Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8.

The two-day conference features educational and engaging presentations from some of the top authors and illustrators in the picture book industry.

Dan Chudzinski, director of the Mazza Museum, is looking forward to the celebration of creativity that he describes as “a ritual of inspiration.”

“We are excited to welcome our conference participants to hear from these trailblazers in picture books who will share what inspired them,” he noted. “Each illustration whispers the lessons that first taught us to wonder – about distant worlds, brave hearts, and colorful dreams. For nearly three decades, this gathering has been bringing fresh spark to the stories that shape us.”

This year’s conference includes six keynote speakers, along with door prizes, autograph opportunities, a fully-stocked gift shop, and book sale.

The guest speakers are:

Lita Judge, of New Hampshire, an award-winning author and illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, is known for her expressive watercolor and pencil illustrations and deeply researched storytelling. Her work includes Flight School, Red Sled, Born in the Wild, Hoot and Peep, and When You Need Wings. She is also the creator of the acclaimed illustrated young adult novel Mary’s Monster, which tells the story of Mary Shelley through free verse and haunting imagery.

Suzanne Kaufman is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and award-winning author of vibrant and heartwarming picture books. She is the illustrator of All Are Welcome and Big Feelings, which celebrate empathy and community. With a background in animation and education, Kaufman brings movement and emotional depth to every illustration. She is a passionate advocate for art and literacy, frequently visiting schools, libraries, and festivals to share her creative process and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

Jaime Zollars is an accomplished illustrator and artist with a career spanning children’s books, magazines, newspapers, advertising, and gallery work. Her clients range from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Simon & Schuster to United Airlines and L.A. Weekly. Zollars has taught illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has also served on boards for the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and the Illustration Conference (ICON). She draws inspiration from fairy tales, Flemish painting, non-fiction literature, and found textures.

Matthew Rivera is an award-winning illustrator and author specializing in children’s picture books who has worked as an art director for agencies, corporations, and toy companies. His vibrant, expressive illustrations have been recognized by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators with multiple accolades. His notable publications include Roxy the Last Unisaurus Rex, Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack, and The Plant Rescuer.

Dena Seiferling is a Canadian illustrator, author, and visual artist celebrated for her whimsical, emotionally rich illustrations. Her work often features anthropomorphic animals and nature-inspired narratives that explore empathy, imagination, and connection to the natural world. Dena’s creative process combines detailed graphite drawings with needle-felted sculptures made from raw wool, wire, and found objects, giving her illustrations a distinctive texture and magical quality. She is the illustrator of notable books including King Mouse, a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and Night Lunch by Eric Fan, recognized as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year.

Aimée Sicuro is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose work celebrates the wonders of the natural world through vibrant, imaginative art. Her notable works include If You Find a Leaf and If You Spot a Shell, both part of the “If You Find a Treasure” series published by Random House Studios. Her illustrations have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Parent Magazine, and O Magazine.

For more information on speakers and the schedule, visit https://conference.mazzamuseum.org/.

The full conference fee is $150. Through the generosity of Floyd and Stella Dickman, an endowment has been established to help librarians with the registration fee.

To register, visit https://conference.mazzamuseum.org/. Those who attend also are eligible to receive one or two hours of graduate or undergraduate credit.

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