TM
Leo Politi 2008 Centennial Events
Leo Politi was born in Fresno, California in 1908. At age 6, he and his family moved to Italy where he began his art training at the Royal Palace of Monza. He returned to Fresno and launched his literary career in 1938 with "Little Pancho". In 1950 he was honored with the Caldecott Medal for "the nation's most distinguished children's picture book" for "Song of the Swallows". Over the years he wrote many more widely-acclaimed books and achieved worldwide fame prior to his passing away in 1996. A public library, a park, a plaza and an elementary school have been named for him. The Centennial of his birth saw many commemorative celebrations in California and the nation.
day to be
cherished. So many of you brought your
Leo Politi autographed books, artwork,
photos of paintings and precious stories to
share with his family and friends. It
rained leading up to the event and then all
suddenly the sun appeared. Leo Politi had to be smiling as he saw all the
children dressed in their cultural costumes
dancing, singing and celebrating his art
with puppet shows and readings of his books. The Politi family would like to thank all who volunteered and participated
including
The El Pueblo Park Association, The El
Pueblo Historical Monument, The City of Los
Angeles and the Merchants of Olvera Street. For those of you who could not attend, you
missed a very special and unique day that
made us proud to be an Angeleno. We
hope to see you at future centennial
festivities. Last but not least, 99
THANKS to David and Sherry Gold
of the 99 cents only store for making this
wonderful program possible and for all the
special things that you quietly do for the
City of Los Angeles. God Bless you.
January 26, 2008
was the
"official
kick off" of
the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial.
It was also the commencement of the Leo
Politi Art Exhibit at the Pico House. The
exhibit contains never before seen Leo
Politi paintings, sculptures and surprises! The
festivities included music, dance and
celebration of Olvera Street's beloved Artist,
Muralist, Author and Illustrator. The
Historical Pico House is located across from
Olvera Street, and is part of El Pueblo de Los
Angeles. 
muralist, author, illustrator,
Leo Politi and his 2008
Centennial with a feature
article in DCA's Asian and
Pacific Islander American
Calendar. The article
spotlights Politi's children's
books, "Moy Moy", "Mr.
Fong's Toy Shop" and
"Mieko". In addition to
his Chinese American and
Japanese American artwork there
are also
examples of Leo Politi's Korean
American and Philippine American
art. The calendar spotlights
many of the hundreds of planned
2008 events celebrating Leo
Politi, a Los Angeles treasure
and his Milestone Centenary.
Olvera
Street and the Historic El Pueblo de Los
Angeles, the setting for "Juanita",
also a Caldecott Honor book, is a fable about the annual blessing of the
animals at Easter time. In
1978, Leo Politi painted the mural entitled "The Blessing of the Animals"
at the Historic Landmark, El Pueblo de Los
Angeles, which has become one of the city of
Los Angeles' important treasures. 
Angeles CA.
90006 began with a
continental
breakfast hosted by the
school. Speakers and guests included David Brewer,
Superintendent of the Schools LAUSD, Monica Garcia, President, LAUSD Board of
Education, Evelyn Martinez, Executive
Director, First 5 L.A., Darlene Robles,
Superintendent, LACOE, Richard Alonzo, Local
District 4 Superintendent, LAUSD and Ilene
Abramson, Los Angeles Public Library,
Director of Children Services. Sylvia
Lopez from KCAL 9 was the Mistress
of Ceremony. The Leo Politi Elementary
School showed and told their "joy of
reading" by performing two dances from two
Leo Politi Children's Books. 
In
conjunction
with
their
annual
awards
luncheon
California
Readers
celebrated
The
Leo
Politi
2008
Centennial.
Every
year
the
California
Readers
presents
their
Annual
Golden
Leo
Politi
Award
to a
California
Author. The
Centennial
was
even
more
special
to
the
2008
recipient
as
there
were
many
Leo
Politi
surprises. All
teachers,
librarians,
authors,
illustrators,
parents,
book
lovers
and
Leo
Politi
fans
were
anxious
to
attend
on
February 23, 2008
at
the Pickwick
Gardens,
Terrace
Room.
day-only
exhibition entitled "Leo Politi's
Children." On display were
examples of Leo Politi's stunning
original art work. In
addition, the library had an
afternoon program for children and an
evening program for adults. The
children's program included special
book readings and Politi related
participation activities. Lectures
on Leo Politi were given by authors
Ann Stalcup and son Paul Politi.
See for yourself why the wonderful
children of greater Los Angeles were Leo Politi's, "Mona Lisas." 
The
City of South Pasadena takes great pride
in the Leo Politi Mural at the South
Pasadena Public Library which is
considered a city treasure. As part of
the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial
Celebration the South Pasadena City
Council placed on the February 22,
2008 agenda, an item to
The
rededication ceremony was on Wednesday, April 1st, at the historic
landmark Biscailuz Building on
Olvera Street. The El Pueblo
Park Association had recently
completed the restoration of the
Los Angeles treasure, "The
Blessing of the Animals" mural,
by Leo Politi along with an
anti-graffiti material applied
on top of the finished coat. The
rededication of the mural was
one of hundreds of Centennial
celebrations that took place across
the nation and will continue
throughout his 100th year until
what would have been Leo's 101st
birthday on November 21, 2009.
This centuries old
tradition dates back to
the fourth century when
San Antonio de Abad was
recognized as the Patron
Saint of the Animal
Kingdom. In those
days the people would
take their animals to
the Padre to receive a
blessing and to ask for
fertility and health. The ceremony is held in
grateful recognition of
the tremendous services
given to the human race
by animals. The Blessing
of the Animals is held
on the Saturday before
Easter, Sabado de
Gloria, the gaily
adorned animals and
their owners start
assembling in the Plaza. A procession, led by the
Merchants of Olvera
Street, starts
promptly at two o'clock
and winds its way past
the platform where the
Bishop or Padre will
bless each animal and
person as they go by. The cow, decorated with
flowers, heads the
procession. She goes
first because she is the
animal who gives the
most to mankind. The
Father chants the
Benediction: "Almighty
Father, we bless these
animals for all they
have done in supplying
our food, in carrying
our burdens providing us
with clothing,
companionship and
rendering a service to
the human race since the
world began". In 1974, thanks to a
donation by the Filippa
Pollia Foundation, Los
Angeles artist and
muralist Leo Politi was commissioned to paint a
large mural on the
Biscailuz Building. Leo Politi was no
stranger to the oldest
street in Los Angeles. His
love affair with Olvera Street started in
the early thirties when
he painted portraits,
sold his paintings and
sculptures in front of
the El Paseo, where he was discovered
by Script Magazine who
named him "The Artist of Olvera Street." Also two
of the twenty one
children's books that he
wrote and illustrated
are centered on Olvera
Street. Both of
which were named Honor
Books. For the
subject of the mural he
chose "The Blessing of
the Animals," and Politi
included many of the
people who participated
in the ceremony over the
years: a blind harp
player who performed the
song "La Paloma"
during the sparsely
attended processions
during the 1940's; a
tall thin violinist who
regularly played on
Olvera Street and was
the basis for the
grandfather in Politi's
classic children's book
"Pedro, the Angel of
Olvera Street"; a lady
with poodles who worked
in a booth on Olvera
Street; and Emmet and
Oscar - Politi's own
dogs under the stairway. The mural also portrays Politi's observations
made while executing the
piece, including
the sparrows that fed at
his feet on quiet days
and a baby, which he
depicted in a basket on
a donkey's back.
Painted with acrylics,
these memories and
observations are
expressed in Politi's
highly individualized
and distinctive style
that captures both
simplicity and
gentility. Like
all of Politi's murals,
he uses no helpers and
all of the work is his
own including the
carving of the door and
the mosaic tile work. On April 4, 1978, Cardinal Timothy
Manning, blessed and
dedicated the mural. Everyone is invited to
bring his or her animals
and pets to take part in
this colorful procession
and to receive a
blessing.
volunteered
their time and resources to help save
Hazard Park, Elysian Park and other
endangered Los Angeles Parks. David Gold is also an admirer of Politi's talent and has a large
collection of his art. However in
2008, rather than celebrate Leo Politi's
100 Year Celebration (Centennial) David
Gold founder of the 99¢ Only Store will
celebrate Leo Politi's (99th) NINETY
NINTH YEAR....AGAIN. Last
year he and his wife, Sherry were part
of the Olvera Street Oral History
Documentary and this year they sponsored
99% of the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial
Kick Off Souvenir Program with the El
Pueblo Park Association. They will
continue celebrating nine days a
week......
Focal
(Friends of Children and Literature)
presented a Leo Politi celebration, in honor
of the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial Year,
enjoyed special guest readers and children
activities. This event was located
at the Central Library, 630 West 5th Street,
Downtown Los Angeles (Children Literature)
on February 3, 2008. 
read
millions of words outside of the classroom. This campaign is a partnership between the
City of Los Angeles, First 5, Families In
Schools, the Los Angeles County Office of
Education, and the Los Angeles Unified
School District with supporting sponsorship
from La Opinion, NBC 4, T52, Target and
Washington Mutual. Each participating
school will have the opportunity to select
one student to receive a $50 gift
certificate valid for purchasing books at
the Feria del Libro: A Family Book
Fair, held on June 7, 2008. Student winners will be announced at the end
of May and be recognized by their local
schools. This year, the Million Word
Challenge honored the Legacy of
Author/Illustrator Leo Politi and celebrated
his Centennial by staging the Million Word
Challenge Kick-Off at Leo Politi Elementary
School on February 21, 2008.
On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the City of Los Angeles paid honor
to muralist, artist, author and
illustrator Leo Politi by naming the
intersection of Echo Park Avenue and
Sunset Blvd. "Leo Politi Square". The time of the ceremony coincided with a walking tour of Angeleno
Heights and Trolley Car dedication.
Included in the celebration was a
"special" tribute to Leo Politi from the
Los Angeles School District's Leo Politi
Elementary School students.
2008 ground breaking
ceremony to be held at the Madden Library for The
Leo Politi Garden. The memorial garden has
been designed by Robert Boro. The date and time will be announced.
On the Biscailuz Building at the plaza of Olvera Street, Leo Politi's mural comes
alive with the Blessing of the Animals
March 22, 2008. A very special day was combined with the Centennial Celebration and many surprises. Many parents brought their children, their animals and their love of tradition and celebrated! .JPG)
On April 8, 2008, author and Leo Politi biographer, Ann Stalcup gave a thirty minute presentation at Taft High School. Her audience was fascinated to learn more of the ethnic areas of downtown Los Angeles that had inspired and influenced Leo Politi's work. Ann's presentation was part of Taft High School's "Passport to Learning".
Olvera Street"
was read and performed by the Theatre of
Puppets at the 13th Annual Los Angeles Times
Festival of Books at UCLA. Pedro appeared on the Reading by 9 stage in
the Festival's children's area.
140,000 people attended the 2 day event, the
largest book fair in the USA. Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street is the only one of Leo
Politi's 24 children's and adult books
currently in print. It was sold at
the Festival to benefit the Olvera Street
Merchants Foundation. 
Library paid
honor to Leo Politi as part of their
celebration of the Leo Politi 2008
Centennial. Included was a special
exhibit of the "Redlands Impressions"
book. Original paintings from the book
were on display throughout the
library. Also in the Children's Room Leo Politi's mural of Children
reading was on exhibit. Members of the Leo Politi
family were there to share in
the festivities. On Saturday
April 26, 2008, Ann Stalcup presented a program on Leo Politi's
life and work for the children
of
Redlands. Then on Sunday April 27,2008, Ann again gave a program
as part of the centennial celebration. 
of
Cultural Affairs proudly
present "The Watts Towers 50
Years Inspiring Art".
The Towers are not only a Great American, Californian and
a Los Angeles Treasure but
as Artist Leo Politi said in his
1967 Best-West Publications
book, The Poinsettia,
"The Towers, I believe are among
the most exciting works of
architecture of this century"
..."Though we associate the
towers with an Italian emigrant,
they are also a product inherent
to the life and people of this
community. The people here are
composed mostly of poor Negros
and some Mexican-Americans. They take pride in the towers
and look at them as a symbol of
hope, light and guidance."
Included in this exciting event
will be eight Leo Politi
paintings, painted at and
inspired by his many visits to
the Towers. Also included
in this important exhibition
will be the artworks of over
forty other artists.
Exhibition dates were August
23, 2009 to January 17,2010
at the Watts Towers Art Center,
Noah Purifoy Gallery, Charles
Mingus Youth Arts Center and
Mingus Gallery. On October 10, 2009 at the Watts
Towers Art Center there was
an Artist Reception as
well as an Artist Panel, moderated by Cecil
Ferguson, Community Curator.
There was also a History
Panel on "The Stress Test" moderated by Dr.
Luisa Del Guidice, Ethnographer
and Oral Historian.
To
coincide with the Bunker Hill/First Floor
Gallery exhibition and the Leo Politi
Centennial, the Los Angeles Central
Library’s children’s room featured
eleven glass cases of Leo Politi books.
Most of Leo Politi’s twenty children’s books
that he was both the author and illustrator
were being featured. Also
included were some of the children’s
books that Politi had only illustrated.
to the students of
Wolters Elementary
School. She explained to
the students that
"Little Leo"
was a true story that
started in Fresno and
took place when when Leo
was their age and how
Leo Politi grew up to be
a world famous artist
and author. Linda
encouraged the students
to read more and also to
write their own
stories. Ivan and Rose
Rowe, friends of Leo's
friend Arnie
Nixon, donated
"Little Leo", "Juanita",
"Pedro the Angel of Olvera Street"
and Ann Stalcup’s
biography entitled,
"Leo Politi, Artist of
the Angels" to
the school library for
Leo Politi’s 2008
Centennial. Wolters'
librarian, Sandy Prieto,
promised to calendar
more Leo Politi book
readings for the
centenary with a special
presentation to thank
the Rowe family.
Theatre of the Puppets’ many
productions, and especially The Reading Railroad
with its
puppet rendition of the book, "Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street". Most memorable
for Leo was a performance at the
Open House at the Hollywood Bowl. After that perform-ance, Leo used to say
with a big smile, “Pedro performed at
the Hollywood Bowl…. and he sang like an
Angel.” On
January 26, 2008 for the Grand Open-ing
of the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial at
the Historic Landmark, the Pico House,
Theatre of the Puppets Co-Founder Bill
Sousa, Artistic Director Bob Stone, and
two of Bill’s grandchildren, Michael
Sousa Jr., and Sara Serrander Sousa gave a special performance of
"Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street".
Bill came out of retirement to pay
homage to the memory of his dear friend,
Leo. Sara, now a mother, as a young
child was herself “The Angel of Olvera
Street” for several years. Mark your
calendars now, so that you don’t miss
this most memorable day and historic
performance. Come and see our beloved
Pedro, his Grandfather, and other dear
friends from this book “come alive”.
In 1959, Leo Politi met a little girl and her older
brothers in the picturesque
section of Los Angeles known as
Chinatown. After a year of
having sketched them, playing
and interacting, one of Leo Politi's finest children's
books, entitled "Moy Moy" was
born. On January 26, 2008
Mary Joe as she is known today
and her brothers will celebrate
the Leo Politi centenary "Kick
Off" by reading their now famous
book in Helman Quan at the El
Pueblo Historical Landmark. Bring the kids and come enjoy a
very special day of festivities
and share this precious moment
in time.
was based on a real
family: three brothers of the Yan family, Frank, George, Harry
and their little sister Mary
Joe, who in the book is "Moy
Moy". From the centennial
"kick off" on January 26, 2008
at the Pico House/El Pueblo
Historical Park, Moy Moy
and her brothers have played a
major role in the celebration. They shared their precious
memories with Leo's family,
friends, and fans through the
items personally received from
Leo, along with their own
collection of his works. These photographs and
recollections help bring Leo Politi's paintings to life. Harry Yan has now created a
website, and with permission by
the Yan family, we invite
everyone to view the exquisite
collection of memories they continue
to cherish. (Click for gallery
photos)
appreciation of books, art, and
children is present in
all we do. Our kinder-garten students will be counting
down the days 'til January 26. The
official kick-off of the Leo Politi 2008
Centennial. For our Leo Politi
Centennial Festival, every class on campus
will become experts on one Leo Politi book
and will create a project celebrating his
work. Our older students will get to
know "Leo Politi's Los Angeles," from Olvera
Street to Echo Park. Also, there will
be other ways that we will celebrate Mr. Politi's centennial, but the students
say, "for now, they are TOP SECRET."
Charles Wright wrote and
recorded the
multi-million-selling hit
record,
"Express Yourself", now
considered a modern day
standard. Charles Wright
helped make Watts, California
internationally famous.
Along with his group, The Watts
103rd Street Rhythm Band, they
had a string of world wide
"hits". As an admirer of
the late Leo Politi, Charles
Wright will feature Leo Politi's
painting of the "Watts Towers"
in his soon to be released
documentary video. In
addition, he dedicated and
sang his new composition "God
Bless the Children" with
the Frank D. Parent School Choir
and the Leo Politi Elementary
School Choir at the Leo Politi 2008 Centenary "Kick Off"
event on January 26, 2008.
When
we were young and lived
in Chinatown, we often
teased Moy Moy by saying
"Hi gnu" (Chinese Toi
Shan dialect for, 'Lets
see the little fish').
We used this phrase to
tease her about the day
she fell in a wishing
well in Chinatown while
attempting to get a
closer view of the fish
in the well. This
was an inside story we
thought only our family
remembered. To our
surprise, we discovered
only recently that Leo
Politi had witnessed the
incident and wrote about
it on one of his
watercolor drawings.
In July 2008 we came
across the drawing we
had never seen before at
the Brea exhibit of
Leo's art-work for his
book, "Moy Moy." To
learn more and to see
the drawing including a
detail account by Leo of
the wishing well
incident.
school in
California.
Located on the Historical grounds of
the San Juan
Capistrano Mission, it played a
very special roll at the Leo Politi
2008 Centennial "Kick off
festivities" on January 26, 2008.
Caldecott Medal Award Winner, "Song
of the Swallows" was Leo Politi's
most famous book. The setting
of the book was San Juan Capistrano
Mission. It was during the
making of this book that a very
unique friendship between Politi and
the Mission was born. It
lasted close to fifty years.
However even after Leo's passing the
school continues to honor this bond
by creatively honoring the book at
many of their school events.
Students, faculty and parents at
Mission Parish School payed honor
to Leo Politi as they made the
"Song
of the Swallows" come alive for the
beginning of their dear friend's
centennial. Details to follow
at a later date.
as booksellers,
we
acquired a beautiful first
edition of his book “Juanita".
The copy was signed and
inscribed with watercolor
embellish-ments by Leo. We
fell in love with Politi’s
beautiful story of a Los Angeles
child and the Blessing of the
Animals and soon decided to
specialize in children’s
literature and illustrated
books. We have been happy with
our choice ever since and feel
we have Leo Politi to thank for
that. In 2008, Appleby Books is
planning to join his many
appreciative fans in celebrating
Leo Politi’s 2008 Centennial.
Part of the January 26th
premier festivities will include
cultural entertainment from Leo Politi books and special book
readings for the children. May Ellam, Appleby Book’s founder
said, “on this very special day,
it is going be my honor to read
Leo Politi’s “Juanita” to the
children of Los Angeles.”
During
the month of January 2008, the Chinatown
Branch Library
celebrated the Leo Politi
2008 Centennial with three displays on the
Caldecott Medal award. One display case
exhibit featured a collection of
Caldecott Medal Award winning books, with a
“special” tribute to the just announced 2008
Award winner. This special exhibit spotlighted Leo Politi’s award winning books,
plus "one of a kind documents" on loan from
his family. One of the highlights of this
special exhibit was Leo Politi’s
original paintings from "Song of the
Swallows" along with the actual Caldecott Award Medal. 
Celebration, exhibited some of Leo Politi’s Artwork on Chinatown’s
community. The “Special Two Day Exhibit”
on Friday and Saturday, February 8 and February 9, 2008. was
attended by members of the Leo Politi
Family. They were at the library to
meet the public and answer questions
about the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial. Also,
during the month of February, there was a reading of Leo Politi’s
book
"Moy
Moy"
by Mary Joe who is the original Moy Moy for whom the book was based. The reading was
followed by a craft activity by GAB
volunteer Marge Lew on how to make a
fantastic Chinese dragon out of beads,
pipe cleaner and curling ribbon.
Levi Bischof, Leo Politi's great grandson, sitting with the pumpkins at Harmony Farms Country Store in Mountain Center, California. Harmony Farms is a family run business where people come for farm fresh eggs, wild bird feed and gifts for their friends and family. As we celebrate Leo Politi's Centennial, Harmony Farms is proud to be selling his beloved books and postcards of his artwork. All are welcome to join us in celebrating this momentous event and admire the treasures Leo Politi has created for all to enjoy.
The Leo Politi 2008 Centennial. In
1950 his book "Song of the Swallows"
that was set at Mission San Juan
Capistrano was awarded the coveted
Caldecott Medal. To help celebrate
The Leo Politi's milestone centenary,
his family hand picked from his over
sixty years of sketching on Olvera
Street, his most festive paintings. The art together with the wonderful and
authentic Mariachi music at the Jewel of
the Missions setting, was an
art exhibit not to be forgotten.
the Leo
Politi 2008 Centennial by presenting
Ann Stalcup, author of "Leo Politi,
Artist of the Angels", as one of the
eight featured speakers. Ann was
the events only Children's Book
Author. She gave a talk and
slide presentation on the "Life and
work of Leo Politi". The event was
open to the public, but attendance
was limited to 500.
Registration began in late
February and filled very quickly.
and a $1,000.000 dollar endowment
from Professor Arne Nixon. Leo Politi's books and artwork are an
important part of this collection.
Once a year, ANCA has a special
program to show its appreciation of
its Life Members. In this
centennial year of Leo Politi's
birth, they decided to honor Leo. Thirty-five Life Members gathered at
the Sciandra residence that was
transformed into an English tea
room. On each table was a
potted plant in a planter decorated
with Politi artwork. A vase
decorated with his artwork and
filled with a blossoming branch was
centerpiece on the food table.
Bookmarks hung from it that were
created for the occasion with a
picture of Politi's "Three Little
Girls in Pink". The china
cabinet was filled with Denise's
Politi books, artfully arranged
among pink blossoms. To end
the afternoon, Denise showed a
PowerPoint slide presentation
featuring Leo Politi's stories set
in Los Angeles and including
personal photos taken in Los Angeles
of Politi on Olvera Street during
The Blessing of the Animals, Angel's
flight, Politi's home on Edgeware
Road and the sidewalk that he
decorated with mosaic tiles.
"Poncho"
and his little dog. The Politi family
gratefully accepted the painting and has
named it "Poncho from Long Beach" and named
the dog, "McMillan." The family will
take "Poncho from Long Beach" and McMillan"
to their favorite framer for "Poncho from
Long Beach" to pick out a frame that he
feels at home in. (If "Poncho from
Long Beach" would like matting, he may also
choose matting.) Once "Poncho from
Long Beach" is framed, the Politi family
will make arrangements with future event
organizers to display "Poncho from Long
Beach" and his dog "McMillan." Where they
can then look forward to meeting Leo Politi
fans.
The
City of Los Angeles, Department
of Public Works and the Public
Affairs Office, in the spirit and
commitment to keep Los Angeles
beautiful, have granted The Leo
Politi Neighborhood Association, in the
historic
Westmoreland
Place
neighborhood
bound by
Hoover,
Pico,
Vermont
&
Olympic, another 27 trees
that were planted to further beautify
the neighborhood. The project
was completed in time for the
Leo Politi 2008 Centennial
Celebration.
father and
participated in a question and answer
session. The event was part of the
Echo Park Historical Society's quarterly
meeting on Wednesday, February 13th. The EPHS meeting was held
in the Library of Barlow Hospital, 2000
Stadium Way in Los Angeles. In
addition the Echo Park Historical Society
participated in other planned Echo Park
events honoring Leo Politi including The Angeleno Heights open house walking tour,
The Angeleno Heights Trolley Car "Plaque
Dedication and City of Los Angeles
Dedication of "Leo Politi Square" at the corner
of Echo Park Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. These events took place on the weekend
of May 17 and 18, 2008.
Visit the beautiful
Victorian homes from Leo Politi's book "Angeleno
Heights". Displayed inside each house were the original Leo Politi painting from his
book. This was a once in a lifetime tour
of Los Angeles' most filmed and beautiful
sections. Included in the tour was a stop at
Leo Politi's former residence with his
original mosaic artwork in the yard. Here,
guests were able to meet the Politi family where they shared more paintings of the
neighborhood that their father loved so much. May
17th and 18th, 2008.
Line, Inc. dedicated a special plaque on one of the
antique trolley seats that will be used
on their vintage streetcar. The plaque
will read, “Leo Politi –
Preservationist”. The group's goal is to
restore an original trolley car that
they own and return vintage trolley
service to their historic Angeleno
Heights neighborhood. As part of their
fund-raising activities they were selling a limited edition print of Leo Politi's painting of the trolley car
from his art book entitled, “Angeleno
Heights”. May 17th and
18th, 2008.
some of the school events including "Leo Politi's Friends Around the World." They have also performed it by memory at the Angeleno Heights tour dedication ceremony for the Trolley and twice at the City of Los Angeles' "Leo Politi Square Dedication" at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue. "No Barriers" by Leo Politi", "From a playground we watch the children play. Some are light others dark-but they are all beautiful. All of them have a live force animating their little bodies. All of them run, play, laugh, and cry, and yet if outwardly they look different, they have within the same emotions of life. Each enjoys living, all will later be in the arms of the mothers who love them, live for them and raise them to be good and kind. If we can only understand this force that makes them live the same love between mother and child, the same desire that you and I have to live; the love, aspirations, and dreams like your mother with you, my mother with me, then no dogmas, no prejudices, no fears can stand barriers between man and man." 
"Characters will
come Alive" In honor of
Children's book author and
illustrator Leo Politi's
Centenary. As part of the
children's summer reading club
of the Robertson Branch of Los Angeles Public
Library. "Moy Moy", from Leo
Politi's classic children's
book, steps out of the pages to
entertain us with some magical
stories of her own. This
year would have been
author and illustrator Leo Politi's 100th Birthday. The event was held , July 10 at 1719 S. Robertson
Boulevard, Los Angeles,
California 90035.
of Leo Politi's Victorian
architecture artwork for the month of May
and June. The exhibit spotlighted three of Politi's
books that dealt with victorian architecture
in Southern California. The exhibit
featured original artwork and writings
from Leo Politi's books on Bunker
Hill, Angeleno Heights and Redlands. 2008 is the Leo Politi Centennial year. It was the first time his original
artwork from all three books were viewed
by the public at the same time. Each book's
artwork was on special exhibit in 2008. This
Centennial Room exhibit served as
preview to all three "must see" exhibits.
the Koehnline
Museum of Art at Oakton
Community College, 1600
E. Golf Road, Des
Plaines. 
For
the
month of June 2008 the Parker Branch
Library of the Douglas
County
participated in the Leo Politi
Centennial with a special
exhibit of the Leo Politi
Caldecott Medal Award book
"Song
of the Swallows". The
exhibit contained original
illustrations from the book as
well as the coveted Caldecott
Medal on loan from the
Leo Politi family. In
addition to the Caldecott Medal,
The Regina Medal awarded in 1966
to Leo Politi by the Catholic
Library Association was also
on exhibit.
On March 7, 2008 the Los
Gallery. The
exhibit spotlighted Leo Politi's fine
art... This was the most comprehensive
Leo Politi fine art exhibition to date.
This special centennial
collection included works
from the early 1930's through
many seldom seen paintings of
the 1990's. The gallery
also displayed a few of Politi's
children's books, from inception to
completion, including sketches, character
studies, story boards, correspondence and
finished art. Exhibit ran from July 12, 2008 through July 27, 2008.
Leo Politi postcards are
now available at the
bookstore.
On
August 23, 2008, the
Thousand Oaks Library joined the Leo Politi 2008
Centennial Celebration. Our library
has enjoyed a friendship with Leo
Politi over the years. He made
many visits to our library and
we were very excited to participate
in this celebration. Ann Stalcup author of
“Leo
Politi, Artist of the Angels” gave a lecture
along with her wonderful slide
presentation and autographed her book.
Members of the Leo Politi family,
Paul and Suzanne attended
to share
some personal stories and artwork with us.
This is the year to celebrate two of the Valleys most beloved authors;
Leo Politi and
William Saroyan. Fresno County is leading an international celebration of Saroyan and is also participating in a nationwide celebration of Politi. Valley organizations will join the library in hosting a diverse array of local special events honoring the 100th anniversary year of their births. Chinese New Years party.
made to their community. Japanese American National Museum's
"Best in Americas Spirit" continued with
a salute to Leo Politi with a small
exhibit of his paintings, sketches, and
his Children's book "Mieko" in the
Japanese American National Museum lobby
during Nisei Week. The exhibit ran from the
beginning of Nisei Week August 16 through 31, 2008 
Linda Scambray
on the Leo Politi Centennial
scheduled for broadcast on August 30th and August
31st. You can
also listen through their
website at
.JPG)
had the
opportunity to view a
special display of signed
Leo Politi books, artwork
and other material at the
book fair, hosted annually
by Bustamante Enterprises in
conjunction with hundreds of
antiquarian book-sellers from
around the world. The
Politi family shared
many personal items and
memories of the
Caldecott-award-winning
author and illustrator,
whose beloved work
celebrates the rich cultural
diversity of Los Angeles. Collectors were also invited
to bring pictures of their
own inscribed Politi
collectibles to the book
fair, along with their
personal stories to be
considered for inclusion in
a forthcoming work the
Politi family is preparing
about his autographed books. The book fair was held Saturday, Sept. 6th
and Sunday, Sept. 7th at the Santa
Monica Civic Auditorium,
1855 Main Street in Santa
Monica.
Centennial
on Saturday.
September 6,
2008.
Author Ann Stalcup discussed the
life of
artist and
children's
book
author-illustrator
Leo Politi,
(1908-1996).
Ann
Stalcup gave
a
lecture on
Leo Politi's
unique
vision of
Los Angeles,
and how his
work
developed
into an
iconic
representation
of places
such as
Olvera
Street,
Chinatown,
Bunker Hill,
and Mission
San Juan
Capistrano.
The Friends
of the
Torrance
Library
Annual
Meeting and
election of
Officers preceded
this
informative
program.
Reservations
were not
required and
refreshments
were served.
Ann Stalcup's
book, "Leo
Politi:
Artist of
the Angels",
was
available
for sale at
the event
along with
other
examples of Politi's
work.
On September
13, 2008, the Santa Monica Public
Library celebrated the "Leo Politi 2008 Centennial" with special
events and displays. Ann Stalcup
author of "Leo Politi, Artist of the
Angels" presented a slide show
and
lecture on Mr. Politi, and
autographed her book as part of
the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial
celebration.
Caravan
Book Store on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles is proud to
participate in the centennial celebration of
author and artist Leo Politi. He was a
friend of the proprietor and his family, and
Mr. Politi often visited the store.
Now the second and third generations of the
54-year-old business will continue to honor
Mr. Politi's work with 5" X 7" colorful
postcards of his paintings as well as some
of his books and books about him in the
world famous Biltmore Hotel display case.Leo Politi postcards
are now available at
the bookstore.
The Torrance
Public
Library presented a
story and
craft event
entitled
"Parade of
the
Animals."
Children of
all ages
were welcomed to
join artist
Peggy
Hasegawa to
hear stories
from Leo
Politi's
children
books
and to make
a craft
based on the
parade and
"Blessing
of
the Animals"
the annual
event at
historic
landmark Olvera
Street in
Los Angeles.
The event
took
place,September
19, 2008 at Katy Geissert
Civic Center
Library,
3301
Torrance
Blvd.,Torrance. No
registration
was required
and all
material
was
provided.
County Library system
celebrated the 100th
anniversary of Leo Politi's
birth by featuring a display
of the art and books of this
artistic and cultural
southland treasure. The
library owns three pieces of
original art given to us
many years ago for the
enjoyment of the community,
one which was specifically
dedicated to the Children of
Idyllwild. On September 27th, the
Friends of the Idyllwild
Library commemorated the anniversary
of this brilliant artist's
birth when it featured a
short question and answer
interview with Mr. Politi's
daughter, Suzanne, who lives
in nearby Mountain Center. Suzanne
(pictured right, standing
next to the Leo Politi
dedicated tree across from
Olvera Street) shared with the
people of Idyllwild some of
her personal remembrances of
life with her father.
Centennial with a Leo Politi
art exhibit
September 2 thru 30, 2008. The
exhibit featured Escondido Public Library
owned Leo Politi paintings as well as
borrowed paintings from art collectors
and the Leo Politi Family. Also on
display was original artwork from Politi's beloved
children books. Leo Politi
book readings and other children
events are being planned, dates and times will be
announced. For exhibit photos
2008 Centennial celebration
with an art exhibit and
puppet show. A
puppet show performance of
"Little Leo",
with the
library's
collection of antique
marionettes, was ideal in
the spirit of Leo and
a huge hit with all
attending children. Brockway's Anne Kelly
presented art examples and
background history of Leo
Politi; while Martin Politi,
grandson of Leo, and friend
of Anne Kelly and the
Brockway Memorial Library,
shared some memories and
personal stories of his
grandfather. Also unveiled,
the Politi's family's
donation of a selection of
Leo's art for the Library's
permanent display, and a
month long display of Leo's
art, books, family
photographs and other
personal items. At the
reception following,
Brockway Memorial Library
was also proud to announce
the annual celebration of
Leo Politi's work to
coincide with the birthday
celebration of library
founder, George A. Brockway. To view pictures
of the exhibit
Marge
Bitetti in her "new" Arcadia Book
entitled "Images of America",
Italians in Los Angeles" was one of
the first to acknowledge the Leo
Politi 2008 Centennial. In her
book Bitetti devotes eleven pages to
Politi and his art, including his
acclaimed mural "The Blessing of the
Animals" and painting of Simon Rodia's
"Watts Towers". For
close to 60 years, Politi's
paintings (and books)
celebrated Los Angeles's
rich cultural diversity.
Included in the book are
paintings of Angels
Flight, Chinatown,
Little Tokyo, Olvera Street
and Bunker Hill.
On Sunday,
October 5, 2008, The
Leo Politi Branch Library, had a
special Leo
Politi Day - Open House. Ann Stalcup, author of
"Leo Politi, Artist of the Angels" and the Leo Politi family participated in the libraries'
"Meet and Greet." Included in the event was
a special Ann Stalcup slide presentation, multi
cultural finger food, Ann Stalcup autographed
her book, mingling with the Leo Politi
family and others with special
surprises. This event was a part of
the Politi Branch Libraries celebration
of the LEO POLITI 2008 CENTENNIAL.
winning,
"Song of the
Swallows". Paul Politi
says that his father had
many wonderful memories of
the Mission. He shared some of these memories
with the Mission Docent
Society on Thursday
afternoon,
October 23, 2008, in the Mission's
Soldiers Barracks.
This date coincides with the
feast day of St. John of
Capistrano, and is the day
that signals the return of
the famous swallows to their
southern home in Goya,
Argentina. A quote
from the book: "Farewell,
Golondrinas, For you will we
yearn, May God bless your
Journey, And guide your
return." The
public was invited with paid
admission to the Mission.
Please visit their
web-site for more
information:
Muertos Novenario and
Leo Politi's family and friends
were invited to be the first Olvera Street family to
honor a beloved deceased
this year. The
procession began in
front of the historical
landmark, Avila Adobe. From there
it went to
the place for the indigenous
blessing and proceeded in
procession past
the tree and up the street, past
the cross, and placed a
bouquet of Zempatzuchil in a
designated spot in the plaza
area in a ritual that honors
the late artist. The group then returned to
enjoy free champurrado and
pan de muertos. 
On
Friday,
October 31, the
Community Altars was
raised in the Plaza area.
Leo Politi had his own altar
in a designated space.
Leo's son Paul, along with
the Olvera
Street Merchants and friends
were invited to build the
altar in his memory.
It stayed up until November 3rd. Fans and
friends of Leo were asked for objects and
photos that reflected Leo Politi's
life. Every thing
should be copies or
replaceable items as the
altars are up for three
days. We have security
but if there is something
valuable that you want to
share, be sure to have
someone watch over it. Norma Garcia
copied some
of the jackets of his books
and coordinated the
various objects of the
altar.
On
Wednesday November 5th, Ann Stalcup gave a talk for young adults
and adults on the life and work
of children's
author/illustrator, 
Branch
Library. Friday November 7, 2008, Mary Yan
Joe read Leo Politi's children book "Moy
Moy", her true to
life story set in
Chinatown's Chung
King Road during the
community's
celebration of
Chinese New Year. And on Saturday November 8, 2008, Kelly, Gim
Fong's daughter, read another of Leo's children's books "Mr. Fong's Toy
Shop", a delightful
story of the elder
Fong and the
children of
Chinatown at the
Moon Festival
celebration on Chung
King Road. In
addition California State Senator
Carol Liu presented some Leo
Politi books to the
Friends of the
Chinatown Branch
Library.
celebration. Located in
Brecksville, Ohio, Brecksville
Center for the Arts was part of the 2008
centennial by offering classes and
workshops designed to celebrate Leo Politi's life and work. Their
popular After School Arts Program
brings art classes to elementary
students in local schools. The
instructor, artist Stephanie Sibits,
will devote classes in 2007 and 2008
to the Leo Politi legacy. Artist/illustrator Amy Trosino will
also celebrate the centennial by
devoting classes in her "Story Art:
Live in Tale Workshops" to the
famous artist/illustrator. Art
projects will be posted on the
Brecksville Center for the Arts (BCA)
website. Other art and
literary activities are planned for
the 2008 Centennial. 
"Los Angeles
as Leo
Politi's
Landscape". Art
class
devoted to
the work of
Leo Politi; was held on Tuesday,
November
18th for
age 5 and up. The address
of the
Felipe de Neve Branch
Library is
2820 West
6th St., Los Angeles
90066
The Encino
Tarzana
Branch
Library
remembered
the
centennial
birthday of
celebrated
multicultural
artist and
author Leo
Politi with
a
"Leo Politi
Birthday
Storytime"
Tuesday,
November
18th for
ages K thru
3.
Three of his
memorable
books were
read, a fun
chalk art
activity was
presented
and
refreshments
were served.
Leo's son
Paul, was
present and
took
questions
from the
audience.
Some of Mrs.
Wendy
Hirota's
kindergarten
class from
Nestle Ave.
School in
Tarzana
really
enjoyed the
birthday
event. 
"Leo Politi
Storytime
and Crafts"
was
held on Wednesday,
November 19th.
Leo Politi's
son, Paul attended.
All ages
were welcome. The
address of
the Studio
City Branch
Library is
12511
Moorpark
Street,
Studio City,
California
91604 
An
around
the
world,
around
the
town
special
book
reading
event
and
surprises
all
celebrating
THE
LEO
POLITI
2008
CENTENNIAL exhibit
of Leo Politi's books, art and
mural was held on Thursday,
November
20.
All
ages
were
welcomed.
The
address
of
San
Pedro
Branch
library
is
931
South Gaffey
Street,
San
Pedro,
California
90731
On November 21, 2008, a special presentation of
the life and work of Leo presented by Cervantes
Center of Arts and Letters, in
conjunction with the Mexican
Cultural Institute. The
event took place on Leo Politi's 100th birthday at the
Mexican Cultural Institute
located in the historic Bizcaluis
building on Olvera
Street that also houses Leo
Politi's major public work, "The
Blessing of the Animals" mural. A reception
followed and was attended
by Leo Politi's immediate
family. 
On
Saturday, November 22, 2008,
the
Leo Politi Branch Library, had a
special Leo
Politi Birthday Party for children K thru 6th grade.
All
participants
heard Leo Politi stories, music and crafts.
Then "Happy Birthday"
was
sung and
cupcakes
were decorated
and enjoyed
on
the
birthday
of
Leo
Politi.
The
Politi
Library
is
on
the
southwest
corner
of
First
and
Bullard. 
the community room on Wednesday, November 19,
2008.
Following Stalcup's talk,
she signed copies of her
book, "Leo Politi, Artist of
the Angels." The
public was invited to
enjoy refreshments around
the beautiful mural
created by Mr. Politi for
their Children's Picture
Book Room. There will also
be an exhibit in the
lobby's display case that
will tell the story behind
the creation of the mural.
The display included
photos of Leo Politi, his
sketches, letters from Mr.
Politi and other items that
gave an insight into
the making of this treasured
mural. The exhibit
was installed on October 1,
2008 and ran through November 29,
2008. There are also plans for a special
children's reading of "A Boat For Pepe"
and "The Butterflies Come"
two
Politi
books
that are
set on
Monterey
Peninsula.
year
by
the
Liebermans,
both
retired
pediatricians,
to
raise
money
for
Hurricane
Katrina
victims
at
the
Louisiana
Children's
Hospital.
The
art
is
excellent
and
the
event
comes
before
the
holidays
so it
is
great
for
holiday
gifts.
"Live"
music
was provided
by
the
South
Pasadena
Strings
and
local
singer
and songwriter
Brad
Colerick.
Also
local
restaurants
provided
food for a
nominal
donation.
Each
year
there
is a
“special”
exhibit
and
this
year, in
honor
of
artist
and
author
Leo
Politi's
Centennial
Celebration,
a
special
exhibit
of
some of
Leo's
original
paintings
and
books
was
on
display
along
with
a
photo
story
board
of Leo's
life.
Leo's
son
Paul
was a
special
guest
and
spoke
with
attendees
about
his late
father.
This
year's
theme
was "Holiday
Magic."
The
late
Los
Angeles
artist,
muralist
and
award
winning
author-illustrator
Leo
Politi
who
would
have
been
100
years
old
this
year,
represented
by
his
family
was one
of
the
three
parade
Ambassadors
of
the
Annual
Echo
Park
Community
Parade.
Politi
was
a
long
time
resident
of
Echo
Park.
He
authored
and
illustrated
over
twenty
five
books
including
his
last
historical
art
book
"Angeleno
Heights".
Leo
Politi
also
wrote
and
illustrated
"Emmet"
a
true
children's
story
about
a
homeless
dog
that
is
centered
in
Echo
Park's Angeleno
Heights
historical
district. Each
parade
participant stoped
at
the
corner
of
Sunset
Boulevard
&
Echo
Park
Avenue
(Leo
Politi
Square)
and
were be
presented
a
trophy
and
then
continued
toward
Park
Avenue.
The
"Holiday
Magic"
was
held
on Saturday,
December
13th
at
Elysian
Park
Avenue.
culture, including
"What Was the First Rock'n'Roll
Record?" has just finished
writing a book on Angels
Flight, published by
Arcadia Press. Dawson also wrote articles for the Los Angeles
Times and over a hundred album liner
notes for various record companies
around the world. Leo Politi, who
has been called by many "The Artist of
the Angels" is featured in this
book. Dawson included photos
of Leo Politi as well as his
paintings of Angels Flight. The
book was released August 11, 2008,
during the Leo Politi
Centennial year.
Princeton University celebrated
the Leo Politi 2008 Centennial with an
exhibit entitled “Leo Politi’s Los
Angeles.” The exhibit celebrated Leo Politi’s art and it’s
diversity and ran from August
15, 2008 thru January 15,
2009. The exhibit
featured some of the books
authored and illustrated by
Leo. To view some photos of
the exhibit
Don Shorts and
Dee Fisher,
proprietors of
the Old
California Store
and long time
admirers and
supporters of
Leo Politi,
sponsored the
opening
reception at the
Carnegie Art
Museum entitled,
"Leo Politi,
Capturing the
Heart". For
years Don and
Dee have
sponsored Leo
Politi art
exhibits,
"The Leo Politi
art collectors
group," and were
co-curators for
the 2005
exhibit, "Leo
Politi, Artist
of the Angels"
at the Watts
Towers Art
Center.
The Watts Towers
exhibit was
presented by the
City of Los
Angeles
Department of
Cultural Affairs
in conjunction
with the Italian
Oral History
Institute and
was part of the
Italians in Los
Angeles
Festival.
The Carnegie
Exhibit featured
Leo Politi's
early period
(1930's and
1940's) often
found in homes
furnished with
Monterey
furniture.
Serious
collectors have
credited The Old
California Store
as responsible
for Monterey
furniture
becoming a
California art
form.
ON December
16-24, 2008 Pedro lead the Los Posadas in
celebration of The Leo Politi 2008 Centennial.
In addition for this event a special edition
printing of "Pedro the Angel of Olvera Street"
for the first time will have pages which were
previously printed in sepia tone, now printed in
full color as Leo Politi's original art
intended. 
Los
Angeles Historian and
author Virginia L. Comer participated in the
celebration of Leo Politi's Centenary with
speaking engagements at
various Leo Politi
centennial events.
Her 1996 book entitled
"Angels Flight, a
History of Bunker Hill's
Incline Railway" was
dedicated to Leo Politi.
The dedication page reads
"To Leo Politi, artist
and author, whose
graceful art has
preserved historic
scenes of Angels Flight
and Bunker Hill and
imbued them with the
richness of his own
spirit, this book is
dedicated with esteem."
Virginia was one of the
featured speakers at the
Dedication of Leo Politi
Square now located at
the corner of Sunset
Boulevard and Echo Park
Avenue.
The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard,
California celebrated the Leo
Politi 2008 Centennial with an exhibit
entitled "Leo Politi, Capturing the
Heart", featuring never before seen examples of
Leo Politi's fine art. Included in
the exhibit were paintings featured
in his definitive monograph art book
entitled, "Leo Politi, Capturing the
Heart of Los Angeles". The exhibit
ran from December
13, 2008 thru February 22, 2009.
Ann
Stalcup
author
of
"Leo
Politi,
ARTIST
OF
THE
ANGELS" spoke
in
The
Park School
Library
on
Feb.
11th
where
she
was
enthusiastically
hosted
by
the
school
librarian.
She
spoke
to
Grades
K
through
5.
forth-coming
full-color
monograph
"Capturing
the
Heart
of
Los
Angeles"
gave
a
presentation
on
the
distinguished
artist
and
illustrator. Larry,
Leo's
son-in-law, having
closely
known
Leo for
the
last
two
decades
of
his
life,
contributed
many
personal
insights
about
the
famed
and
beloved
artist
whose
paintings,
illustrations
and
sculptures
vividly
articulate
the
multi-ethnic
identity
of
Los
Angeles.
Larry assisted
Leo
on
his
1980's Lummis
Home
exhibition. He
has also
helped
to
curate
many
Leo Politi
Centennial
art
exhibits
including
the
official
centennial
kick-off
exhibit
at
the
Pico
House
at
the
Historical
El Pueblo
de
Los
Angeles
Landmark.
Year
2008
was
the
centennial
celebration
of Politi's
birth
and
was
marked
with
numerous
statewide
and
national
exhibits
and
events. Bischof
is
an
award
winning
Hollywood
television
and
motion
picture
screenwriter
whose
credits
include
episodes
for
"The Waltons"
and
"Little
House
on
the
Prairie." In
addition, Bischof
produced
the
1990's
Leo
Politi
interview
segment
and
the
CD-rom
"Mieko"
which
was
produced
in
eight
languages. Leo's
children,
son
Paul
and
daughter
Suzanne, were
also present
to
answer
questions
regarding
their
father.
California
Readers honored the 2009
Leo Politi Golden
Author, David M.
Schwartz at their annual
"We love California
Authors & Artists"
luncheon on Saturday,
February 28, 2009, which
was held at the Pickwick
Entertainment Center,
Pickwick Gardens, 1001
Riverside Drive,
Burbank. Keynote
Speaker was Susan
Goldman Rubin.
Leo Politi
Elementary School celebrated the
installation of its new
playground equipment for pre-K
and Kindergarten students at a
special ceremony on
March 2, 2009.
Paul Nisenbaum, who shepherded
the project and LAUSD School Board
President Monica Garcia joined hundreds of students,
teachers and parents as they
gathered to inaugurate the latest
addition to this vibrant school
community. The school's youngest
students prepared
banners and songs for their
special day. In addition Paul
Politi, son of Leo Politi was on hand to help celebrate
the joyful day.
On
November
21, in
honor of
Leo
Politi's
100th
birthday,
the Tree
People
and
Yahoo
sponsored
the
planting
of over
30
trees.
The tree
planting
continued
all day
with
each
class
planting
and
naming
their
tree,
and then
being
taught
how to
care for
it.
The
classes
each
chose a
name for
their
tree.
Some
trees
were
named
after
one of
Leo
Politi's
picture
books.
The
first
tree (a
Podocarpus
Gracilior
- Fern
Pine)
was
planted
in honor
of Ann
Stalcup,
author
of the
biography,
"Leo
Politi,
Artist
of the
Angels".
Ann was
presented
with a
certificate
and
flowers
in
recognition
of her
role in
helping
the
students
to come
to know
the man
and his
work.
admirer
of Leo Politi's work, first met him in
the early 1980's. A friendship
began and over the years she experienced
many cherished meetings. Like the
man, the memories were unique and
colorful. Her book was based on
those meetings, research, and on
interviews conducted with his family,
friends, and admirers. His son
Paul states, "Author Ann Stalcup has
seen and experienced so many wonderful
things on her travels that she could
have written about; the fact that she
wrote a book on my father is a great
honor in itself." He continues, "What I
love about her book is the simplicity
she used in capturing the essence of my
father, the same simplicity he
used to capture the essence of a child." Ann
will be giving a series of lectures and
slide shows on Leo Politi and
autographing her book "Leo Politi,
Artist of the Angels" throughout
California for The Leo Politi 2008 Centennial.
David Katz of Silver Moon
Press is proud to be the publisher of "Leo
Politi:
Artist
of the
Angels", which
showcases the life and work of Leo Politi.
He takes great pride in his
association with the lifelong achievements
of this multi-talented author and artist, a
man who was as comfortable writing for
adults as he was for children. In
recognition of Leo Politi's 2008 Centennial,
a special gold seal will be added to each
book sold during the centennial year. 
team
of professional artists to the
Leo Politi Elementary School. Through their six-week multi-arts
residency, children
learned music,
dance, theatre and visual arts
and discovered the gifts that live
within them. They learned the
values of friendship, kindness, imagination and gratitude, as well as history, geography and social studies as they related to each arts work-shop. The residency included professional development, curriculum
materials, a live performance,
and culminated with a children's
presentation. Music curriculum
kicked it off when Bunny Hull
created an original class song
with each class. Each class
received a professionally
recorded version of their song
at the end of the residency. The Secrets of the Heart's
curriculum guide for K-2 links
the arts experience to academic
achievement and critical
thinking skills in language arts,
listening/speaking, history, social
studies and the
development of interpersonal
skills. Simply put this program
revealed the arts to children as
it relates to culture and
tradition, gave them a little
geography and history and
taught them, through self
expression, how to have greater
respect for themselves and each
other.
To
celebrate and honor Leo Politi,
the Children's Literature
Research Collections installed a
display showcasing some of his
original material in the Kerlan
Collection. This exhibit was
viewable to all visitors to
Andersen Library. The complete
holdings of the Politi Papers
are listed in his online finding
aid.(
On
January 26,2008 the El Pueblo Park
Association and El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Historical Monument are proud to celebrate and
honor another treasure, the artist Leo Politi,
who painted the 1978 Blessing of the Animals
mural on the Biscailuz Building in El Pueblo.
The year 2008 marked Politi's Centennial with
many events, exhibitions and festivities planned
throughout the country. The Official
"Kick
Off" for the Centennial was held in the Pico
House at El Pueblo where there was an
exhibit mounted by the Politi family in honor of
their father. The reception, also in the
Pico House, was cosponsored by EPPA and El Pueblo
de Los Angeles Historical Monument.
On 
Life of An
Artist" art and
book exhibit of
Leo Politi's
work on
Saturday, Nov.
7, at the
library. Politi,
who died in
1996, would have
turned 101 years
old on Nov. 21.
Young and old
alike celebrated
with self-guided
tours of
Politi's
paintings and
books on
display, free
activities for
children and
young artists,
and a watercolor
demonstration by
Bob Orso. Politi
had visited the
library many
times. The event
featured Leo
Politi
paintings, many
with children
and animals
playing, that he
had painted and
dedicated to
"the children of
the Covina
Public Library
"Baked goods and
refreshments
were also served
during the
celebration.
Children's
librarian
Dominique
McCafferty gave
a small slide
presentation on
Politi's life
story and read
from two of his
award-winning
books. Special
guest Mary Yan
Joe was also
present to read
from Politi's
book "Moy
Moy,"
inspired by Yan
Joe and her
family. It was
written and
illustrated by
Leo Politi
when Mary Yan
Joe was four
years old.
Leo
Politi was presented in
the libraries portion of the Pasadena
Art Night (L.A. Skin: Multicultural
FESTIVAL) on
October 12, 2007. The event is an on going partnership among many
cultural institutions and the Cultural
Affairs Division of the City of
Pasadena. Tierra Blanca Dance Company presented their world premier dance
tribute in honor of Leo Politi's stories
and music in his books. Ann Stalcup,
author of "Leo Politi, Artist of the
Angels," and storyteller extraordinaire captivated the audience with a slide
show and stories about Leo Politi's life
and work. In
addition, a special
four hour "Art
Night-Leo Politi"
exhibit was
presented by the Leo
Politi family.
Politi 2008 Centennial celebration. The
new Centennial set brings the
total to 48
Leo Politi Postcards. The artwork selected spotlights Politi’s love for the city of Los
Angeles and it’s diversity. All of (OSMAF)
proceeds from the sale of the postcards will
be used for the foundations educational,
cultural and historical programs. Their goal is
to spotlight the cities harmonious diversity and
the appreciation of the historic significance
of Olvera Street, the city’s birthplace, and its
importance in the formation of Los Angeles. 
music and
dance. The young
dancers learn and appreciate the
regional dances of Puebla, Jalisco,
Chiapas, Chinacas, Calabaceados to
name a few. The Tierra Blanca Art
Center admires Leo Politi’s books
for promoting values and his love
of culture and tradition. Blanca
Araceli Soto will honor Leo Politi
by interpreting his books through
dance and music. On October 12, 2007 as part of the City of Pasadena’s
Art night, they performed Leo Politi’s books at the Pasadena
Library. The Tierra Blanca
Dance Company will continue to
celebrate Leo Politi's art
by interpreting
his books
through
dance. They will
be performing at
other Leo Politi
celebrations. 
Pasadena
Library is
significantly different than
the one he originally
painted in 1957
(for the sum of $200.00).
When Leo was asked to touch
up the original mural for
the
grand opening for the
Library's 1982 expansion
project, he
characteristically took on
the
job without asking for a
fee. He planned on spending
only 2 or 3 hours, but ended
up
devoting weeks, almost
completely repainting the
mural in the process. The
differences
between the 1957 and 1982
paintings are rather
striking. The earliest
depiction features minimalistic youthful
figures in muted tones,
while the update is more
contemporary with
flowing lines and lush,
bright green hues.
Nevertheless, both versions
capture the universal
charm of children with
books.
published The History of The
Archdiocese of
Los Angeles 1840 –2007, by
Msgr.
Francis J. Weber. Chapter 3
entitled Clergy, Religious &
Laity, acknowledges the
contributions of Leo Politi.
Msgr. Francis J. Weber states
of Politi, “He was an
indigenous part of California’s
landscape who will never die or
be diminished in the hearts and
souls of his public.” A quote
from Timothy Cardinal Manning
about Leo Politi is also
included in the book
Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's gift shop, had no
idea that artist Leo Politi's
1940's colorful jungle mural
(painted floor to ceiling) on
her walls was being preserved,
tucked away behind the shop's
wonderful treasures. The
investigation to find the
missing mural began as a result
the 2008 Leo Politi Centennial
and all the events across our
country that sparked a renewed
interest in Leo Politi's early
murals. Only the long time
residents of Riverside will
remember a small candy shop
known as "Talavera Sweet Shop."
Florence Bayz opened the small
candy store on a shoestring
budget. It was a sparkling jewel
of a shop. For the next 16
years the candy shop and later
the new large restaurant with
soda fountain prospered.
For Iowa native Florence Bayz
and later for a young artist Leo
Politi, "Talavera Sweet Shop"
was a very special place.
They were both recovering from
the effects of the Great
Depression. In 1940 in order to
accommodate the increasing
number of diners in Bayz's
popular restaurant, Florence
enlarged her shop by adding the
"Tropical Room" and commissioned
Leo Politi to paint a mural for
it. Leo's artwork was
being featured in the Rob
Wagner's Script magazine.
Wagner who directed many Will
Rogers films and worked for
years with Charlie Chaplin
referred to Leo as "The Artist
of Olvera Street." Pancho and
Lupita, were two of Politi's
characters on Script Magazine
covers. Florence Bayz
asked that they also be included
on the "Tropical Room" mural
among the brilliant color
flowers and birds that would
brighten up the Talavera Sweet
Shop. Politi later went on
to author and illustrate over
twenty five books, (21 of them
were children's books) As a
result Leo Politi was the
recipient of the coveted
Caldecott Medal, Two Honor
Books, The Regina Medal and the
Focal Award. Silver Moon
Press published Ann Stalcup's
recent biography on Leo entitled
"Leo Politi, Artist of the
Angeles." Angel City Press will
be publishing a fine art's
monograph entitled "Leo Politi,
Capturing the Heart of Los
Angeles." The Getty Museum in
2009 republished "The Song of
the Swallows," "Pedro the
Angel of Olvera Street,"
"Juanita" and "Emmet." In
Fresno where Politi painted many
early murals at Fresno City
College, historians are
researching and also trying to
recover his early murals.
There is a library in Fresno
named for him and a soon to be
Leo Politi garden at the
University of California,
Fresno. There is a Los
Angeles Public School named for
him as well as a Los Angeles
City Park. In addition
they named the intersection of
Sunset Blvd. and Echo Park
Avenue "Leo Politi Square." Leo
Politi's ties to the Inland
Empire continued with another
1984 mural in the Children's
room at the A.K. Smiley Library
in Redlands and a 1983 art book
entitled "Redland"s Impressions"
published by Moore Historical
Foundation. Leo Politi's
only daughter Suzanne and her
family reside in Riverside
County. Prior to Politi's
passing in 1996, he searched for
the Riverside mural that he had
painted decades ago. During the
2008-2009 Leo Politi Centennial
events took place from the
California State Capitol in
Sacramento to Princeton
University in New Jersey. During
the Leo Politi Centennial,
Florence Bayz's daughters
Barbara Singletary and Adriana
Wilson attended a number of Leo
Politi Centennial events and
furnished photographs, menus and
information about the long lost
mural in Riverside and their
mother's beloved Talavera Sweet
Shop. The result was Hal Durian
writing a column about the
possibility of the mural still
existing across the street from
the Mission Inn. This led
to further discoveries with the
latest being a preliminary
finding that indicates that
there's a strong possibiltiy of
the mural preserved intact,
behind a false wall. If
this is confirmed by art
conservators, then Riverside
will be adding another chapter
to its rich history. As a
result of the possibility of the
mural find, there is talk of art
exhibits and library events that
will coincide with the unveiling
of the mural. Special
thanks to all of the people who
have helped up to this point....
Including Adriana Bayz Wilson,
Ian Davidson, CeeAnn Thiel,
Barbara Moore, Hal Durian,
Leonard Herandez, Barbara Bayz
Singletary, Joe and Ellen
Daigle, Mark Ostoich, Ann Stalcup,
Dr. Larry Burgess, Larry Bischof,
Molly Wilson and especially
Florence Bayz.
so deserved. Sadly for Los Angeles, Mr. Politi's
own time would soon run out. Within
weeks of the reopening of the railway, he
passed away. In November, 2008, Leo Politi
would have been
100 years old. As Los Angeles and the
rest of the world celebrate Politi's life
long work during his Centennial Year,
the Angels Flight Railway Foundation is
planning an art installation immediately
adjacent to Angels Flight of large,
weather-resistant, ceramic reproductions of
nine Politi's
paintings of Bunker Hill. As passengers
ascend and descend on the 107 year-old Angels
Flight Railway, they will have a glimpse
into the City's past through Politi's
depictions of historic Bunker Hill. The
Foundation also is working on a
complementary publication about Bunker
Hill's history to be illustrated with Politi artwork.
This Angels Flight project is one of
many Southern California
tributes to the life and work of Leo Politi..jpg)
inspire,
especially in children and their
families, an appreciation for
and an understanding of the art
of the picture book. This
most important and unique
Museum, located in Amherst,
Massachusetts has long admired
Leo Politi's work and his
importance to children's book
art. The Eric Carle Museum
has expressed a desire to honor
Leo Politi for his vast
contributions to the field of
children's book art. The Leo
Politi Family supports the
mission of the Eric Carle Museum
and is pleased to be partnering with
the Carle Museum in future
events.
illustrations"
from
Leo Politi's Caldecott Medal
Award winning book "Song of the Swallows"
that
was
centered
at
the
Mission.
In
addition
to
the
Caldecott
Medal,
the
prestigious
Regina
Medal
awarded
to
Leo
Politi
in
1966
by
the
Catholic
Library
Association
will
also
be
exhibited.
The
Regina
Medal
is
awarded
annually
to a
living
exemplar
of
the
words
of
the
English
poet
Walter
de
la
Mare,
"only
the
rarest
kind
of
best
in
anything
can
be
good
enough
for
the
young,"
for
continued
distinguished
contribution
to
children's
literature
without
regard
to
the
nature
of
the
contribution.
Politi's art. At the
opening, Leo Politi said "This is one
of the happiest moments
in my life, to see my
paintings hanging in
such an aesthetic and
harmonious setting.
The Lummis House is
California at its best." The Lummis Home will once
again adorn Leo Politi's art. An
exhibit is now being planned that will
feature Leo Politi's Native American
artwork, most of which has never
before been seen in public. The Historical Society
of Southern California
will host this very
special exhibit. Dates and
times to be announced.
Liz
Reyes and her late
brother, Los Angeles
artist Teddy Sandoval,
shared a love for Leo
Politi’s work. Liz owns
many Politi books and
displays his treasured
art in her home. In
1985, Liz ran into Leo
Politi at Historical Angeleno Heights and Leo
gave her permission to
photograph him. In 2008,
Liz had attended
many Politi centennial
events and has shared
Leo’s
photographs with his
family, various
libraries and schools.
Liz plans to attend
the Lummis Home exhibit,
near the Museum Square
Gold Line Train Station
in Highland Park. The
train station features
her Late brother, Teddy 
the Parks and
the Los Angeles
Department of Recreation and Parks, to
celebrate the Leo Politi Centennial. The celebration will take place at the park
that bares his name. Politi, a park
advocate, wrote and illustrated "Tales of the
Los Angeles Parks" and many award
winning children's books. Bring
your kids, there will be
piñatas, Chinese kite flying,
painting and many more
activities for the young. So if
you love parks and have a
child's heart plan on
attending this future
event at Montecillo De Leo
Politi Park.
Cardinal Timothy Manning
once said "the artistic genius of Leo Politi
is his gift of being able to penetrate the
heart of a child and to reproduce in his
works the innocence and loveliness of those who reflect the
Kingdom of God." The San
Fernando
Mission
is
planning
to present for the first time ever
Cardinal Manning's personal collection of
Leo Politi's Books with personal artwork. 
Leo Politi Elementary
School in Los Angeles. Sanchez chose to
salute Politi and his children books, by
painting in Politi's early style. Julio Sanchez will
paint a portrait of
Leo Politi as his special
tribute to the artist to be
displayed at the school that bares his
name. It will also be included in
a future Politi exhibit being
planned by some of Los Angeles' best
Angelino Artists. Each artist will
pay tribute to Politi's life and
influence through their art. The
exhibit is being organized by Los
Angeles Photographer Jose Luis Sedano..jpg)
will join in the celebration
of The Leo Politi 2008 Centennial. Leo
Politi cut the ribbon and took the first
official ride for the re-opening of
Angels Flight and prior to his
passing. Mr. Politi painted many
wonderful paintings of Angels Flight
including some in his book "Bunker Hill
Los Angeles ".. reminiscences of by gone
days.
the
Heart of Los Angeles". This full-color
monograph examines the life and work of Leo
Politi, the beloved artist and author, whose
paintings, illustrations and sculptures
vividly articulate the multiethnic
identity of Los Angeles. Trained as a
fine artist in Italy, Politi worked as a
street artist on L.A.'s famed Olvera Street
and achieved national attention with his
twenty children's books and a coveted
Caldecott Medal. Remembered for capturing
the heart of Los Angeles, both on paper and
in the minds of its people. ISBN-13 978-1-883318-76-5
/$45.00
Bischof,
Suzanne Politi Bischof and Paul Politi have
written a coffee table biography book on Los
Angeles artist, Leo Politi entitled "Leo
Politi, Capturing the Heart of Los Angeles."
Though he is celebrated as an author and
illustrator, Politi's lesser known but
equally important work can be found in his
early art, sculptures and murals.
Readers will be treated to nearly 300 images
of his work. The book will include his
fine art, completed long before his fame as
a children's illustrator. Featured images
will include paintings on Bunker Hill,
Chinatown, Olvera Street, Little Tokyo, and
his many other picturesque hangouts. A
majority of the paintings will be
unpublished, never before seen art, mostly
from private collections, as well as some
rare clip art. If you study close some
of the 20th Century's social, idealistic,
and cultural advances made in Los Angeles,
you will find the fingerprints of this
humble, un-assuming man with a gentle heart.
Leo Politi is considered an indigenous part
of the California Landscape.
the selection of paintings and
carvings to be featured in the Leo Politi
Coffee Table Art Book entitled "Leo Politi,
Capturing the Heart of Los Angeles". Angel City
Press will publish the book that will reveal many facets of Leo Politi's career, a major focus will be on
his early fine arts period. To achieve
the finest representation of Leo Politi's
work, the family is requesting collectors to
email jpg photos of any painting or carving
that they would want to be considered for
inclusion in this very important art book.
Jpeg photos should be emailed to:
the diversity that
inspired Leo Politi's art with an enchanted
evening under the stars. View Elisabeth's collection
of Leo Politi art and enjoy
the music, costume and dance
of many cultures.
Experience the romance of
old California, beautiful
music and Leo Politi art as
Elisabeth Waldo's Historical
Rancho celebrates the Leo
Politi Centennial.
Leo Politi
has continually supported “Feria De Los Ninos” the concept of using cultural arts to
instill self- esteem, confidence, cultural
pride and family respect through creative
expression, discipline, training and
achievement. Leo Politi’s support and
poster artwork has been a part of the “Feria
De Los Ninos” tradition. The
Politi
Family
will
join Los
Angeles
Department
of
Recreations
and
Parks by
sharing
their
father's
“Feria De Los Ninos”
art work
that celebrate the
rich and diverse culture of latino speaking
people.
The
Italian Hall was
planning
an exhibit on Leo Politi
and his art as the
concluding part of the
Leo Politi Centennial. It
was fitting that the
centennial that started
at the historical
landmark Pico House
would
conclude at the
historical landmark
Italian Hall that Leo
Politi loved so much.
At present the Italian
Hall is going through
restructure preservation
work. Once the
preservation work is
competed the
Leo Politi exhibit will
finally take place at
the Italian Hall.
