Oz is the word at California State University, Fresno during the month of May. The Henry Madden Library has kicked off a month of Oz-related activities with an exhibit showcasing “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia.
In preparation for the national “Oz: The Books!” conference May 14-16 at Fresno State, the exhibit showcases pieces ranging from costumes from the Broadway production of “Wicked” to original art used in Frank L. Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” book.
The exhibit, mounted in the Leon S. Peters Gallery on the second floor of the library’s Table Mountain Rancheria Tower, also showcases a pair of ruby slippers, hand crafted by local Oz enthusiast, Christopher Rocha.
“Our conference is generating lots of enthusiasm locally,” said Angelica Carpenter, director of the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, which is housed within the Madden Library.
“We are so fortunate that some dedicated Oz fans were willing to lend us some extraordinary pieces to share with our community in the exhibit,” she added.
The Oz exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday throughout May.
“Oz: The Books” is a national conference being held on campus under sponsorship of the International Wizard of Oz Club and the Arne Nixon Center.
For more information on the exhibit or the conference, contact Carpenter at 559.278.8116 or angelica@csufresno.edu.
