Meeting "Moy Moy"
Ed Fuentes
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — At the Sunday afternoon unveiling of Leo Politi Square at Echo Park and Sunset Blvd, a crowd of Politi fans and family crowded together on a hot sidewalk to watch 100 doves fly, children recite from Politi, and a sign marking the intersection Leo Politi Square be presented by the artists son, Paul Politi, and Councilmember Ed Reyes.
The children's book artist and author is being celebrated in what would have been the year of his 100th birthday, and an exhibition of the Olvera Street based artist continues until June 14 at the Central Library. And now it seems one doesn't leave a Politi event without a story.
In this case, it's about Annette Cano. In 1965 she was in elementary school when Leo Politi came for a assembly to talk about and demonstrate his art. It was something she remembered into adulthood.
Just 8 years ago, Cano was at a yard sale a few blocks away from the Pico Rivera elementary school where the assembly was first held where she saw some drawings in a musty frame that looked familiar.
It was the same art that Politi drew for the school children back in 1965, and the illustrations were signed and dated by the artist himself. She kept her excitement hidden while asking how much the art was. A few bucks later, she purchased the three artifacts.
On the past Sunday afternoon, she came by the unveiling to to honor the artist––and the recovered treasures. Not only did she get to meet the Politi family for the first time, she and was introduced to Mary Yan Joe, who Politi based the character “Moy Moy” on, and one of the images Cano was clutching.
They said hellos, shared some stories, and like lost friends posed together for a few photos.
Michael Hall on May 23, 2008, at 08:25AM – #1
We are fortunate to be neighbors of Mary Joe and her family. I am humbled by her kindness and loving spirit. Mr. Politi could not have chosen a better subject for his book Moy Moy. He would be expecially proud by Mary and her brothers continue to honor his work.
Respectfully,
Mike Hall
Sharlene Guerra on May 25, 2008, at 11:58PM – #2
My mother Annette Cano is quite the artist herself! What a gift it is to be inspired by other artists. It's an amazing cycle of people being creative and sharing thier talents to the people and world around them. This event held in the Echo Park area has inspired me to learn more about Mr. Politi and look for his books and illustrations to share with my children Evan and Sienna. We love you mom!
pat cano on May 27, 2008, at 06:51PM – #3
I remember when my sister Annette told me about the great "art" find she acquired and who Mr. Politi was and how he had come to her elementary school as a young girl. Because my sister is also an artist, I also became interested in his work. As an elementary teacher in Oregon and Washington, it has been difficult finding his books, however, his paintings are easier to come by. Children can relate to the "childlike" drawings and are inspired to draw, too. Probably alot like the impression Mr. Politi made on Annette. Annette, has inspired many of her students at Whittier High through her own love of art over the years. I'm sure that she has also helped student "find" art as a way to express themselves. We are very proud of Annette's talent and that she freely shares her love of art with anyone that is interested. I have several of her art pieces in my home, they are my treasures! Felicidades, hermana.