In celebration of Juneteenth, Ben Sapp, director of University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, interviewed award winning illustrator and fine artist, E.B. Lewis, to discuss the importance of Juneteenth with his book, “All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom.” Watch the full recording on our website here.

Through the eyes of one little girl, “All Different Now” tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.

In the interview with Sapp, Lewis discusses how “All Different Now” was his biggest challenge. From the research to finding models for a cast of 1,000, he reveals his process in illustrating Angela Johnson’s picture book. He also shares the emotion he felt in being part of telling the story of such a pivotal event in American history.

The award-winning illustrator and fine artist, E.B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children. Inspired by two artist uncles, as early as the third grade, Lewis displayed artistic promise. Beginning in the sixth grade, he attended the Saturday Morning Art League and studied with Clarence Wood. Lewis attended the Temple University Tyler School of Art, where he discovered his medium of preference was watercolor. During his four years at Temple, Lewis majored in Graphic Design, Illustration and Art Education. After graduating, he taught art in public schools for twelve years. Presently, E.B. teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a member of The Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an artist member of Salamagundi Art Club of New York. Today, his works are displayed in museums, owned by private collectors, and sold by art galleries throughout the United States and Europe.

Purchase “All Different Now” at http://eblewis.com/books/different-now/. The Mazza Museum currently has one piece from “All Different Now” in our permanent collection. The Museum will reopen to the public by appointment only starting on Wednesday, Aug. 12.