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The Leo Politi Garden at Fresno State’s Henry Madden Library was
dedicated today, June 2nd, with family members, Arne Nixon Center
Advocates and university officials joining for the official opening of the
recently completed space. The garden is just east of the solarium, connecting
the recently expanded library’s Table Mountain Rancheria
Tower and south wing, which is home to the Arne Nixon Center for
the Study of Children’s Literature.
The garden honors the long friendship between children’s author and
illustrator and Fresno native Politi and center namesake, the late
professor Arne Nixon. A display of Politi art and books is currently
on display at the Arne Nixon Center and includes about 20 original
paintings and beautifully inscribed first editions of his books.
[Bob Boro] Nowhere in Leo Politi’s art did he draw a straight line. Thus
we have our serpentine seat wall for children and grown-ups alike to sit
and read or have discussions. Perhaps a class session. The fountain is
very reminiscent, as Dave mentioned, of one he drew in Song of the
Swallows, his award winning book from 1949. [Paul Leo Politi] I think his whole career,
my father would try to capture the soul of the person, the soul of the animals.
And Bob, you captured the soul of my dad. And I want to thank you.
[Dr. John D. Welty] Leo Politi was really on the leading edge in terms of
providing for diversity in children’s literature. It could not be more
fitting that on one of the most diverse university campuses in this
country, we have a garden that recognizes that leadership and will
allow us to and challenge us to learn more about him.