FINDLAY, Ohio — Children’s books are meant to transfer your little one to a new world.
Well, a new exhibit at the Mazza Museum in Findlay is taking visitors into the world of a popular book series.
The Laiho Gallery at the Mazza Museum is dedicated to Paper Engineered art, more commonly called Pop-up Books and now, the gallery has been transformed into Diagon Alley, featuring many popup prototypes that artist Matthew Reinhart created for his work on the Pop-up "Harry Potter" series.
"'Harry Potter's' influence on the world of literature is undeniable," said Dan Chudzinski, director of curation and exhibitions. "We knew that we had an opportunity to draw a crowd that might not normally have traveled to come to the Mazza Museum, but they'll come to see Diagon Alley."
Reinhart himself makes an appearance as a wizard who "apparates" in to greet you.
Many of the classic Diagon Alley signs have been given a bit of a University of Findlay or Mazza twist.
Chudzinski wanted to offer an immersive and authentic "Harry Potter" experience, so much so that he connected with the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios and got the proper cobblestone pattern for the floor.
The exhibit’s primary aim is to showcase the creative process from prototype to finished product on these large and elaborate Pop-up books. Showing not only artistry but plenty of STEM skills as well.
"There is a science behind it, and of course, it's art and mathematics," said Chudzinski.
"A lot of times it pulls kids who are very art-oriented into a STEM field and actually, the ones that are STEM-oriented into an art field," said Heather Sensel, Mazza Museum education manager.
The temporary exhibit was made possible through help from community groups, companies and many UF art students.
"It is remarkable what good art, a great story and a little bit of magic can do to bring a community together," said Chudzinski.
The Mazza Museum will be open for one day after Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. Then it will reopen to standard hours after the New Year beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3.
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