Klassen's story continues

by Louise Matthews, guest blogger

I remember one of my assignments given by Dr. Libby Hostetler during Jr. Block as an education major at Bluffton: write a story, create illustrations and bind it together to make a picture book.

Last week, I rediscovered my book, “Look, It’s Snowing!” among our children’s library collection at home, “copyright 1976” according to its information page. Perhaps this is evidence that my Bluffton liberal arts education prepared me for my recent endeavor…

In my current role as director of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center, I was thrilled to be included in the early conversations with author Lisa Weaver to explore possibilities for publishing her third picture book.

The story is based on an actual account of John P. Klassen creating a medallion from lead bullets to give to volunteers with Mennonite Central Committee who brought food and relief aid to his Russian village in the early 1920s. (Klassen later came to the USA and taught art at Bluffton from 1924-1959.)

I encouraged Lisa to pursue publishing her story, Swords to Plowshares, and even offered to host a book launch at the center when it was eventually published. That seemed the least I could do to support Lisa’s story with connections to Bluffton University.

Little did I know that I would eventually be accepting the challenge of publishing the book through my role at The Lion and Lamb. I asked several colleagues to serve as consultants for this project and with their input, we selected an illustrator and a creative designer. Amanda Huston, art major and recent Bluffton grad, was willing to take on the challenge of illustrating her first picture book and Alison King, with her own design business and previous experience, accepted the role as creative designer.

Amanda, Alison and I met together for the first time one year ago, Sept. 12, 2013, to create a plan and work toward publishing Lisa’s picture book. Coincidentally, on Sept. 12, 2014, exactly one year later, 55 cases of printed copies of our book were to be loaded onto the truck at Friesens Printing and headed toward Bluffton, Ohio, for delivery! (At this point, delivery is expected the week of Sept. 21.)

True to my word, I am pleased to announce a book launch for Swords to Plowshares: The creation of John P. Klassen’s Mennonite Central Committee medallion. And YOU are invited!

Consider coming to campus on Homecoming, Oct. 4, 2014, and stop by The Lion and Lamb between 9 - 10:30 a.m. for an informal reception with author Lisa Weaver and illustrator Amanda Huston. Books will be available for purchase for $21.35 and for signing.

Books can also be ordered at www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb