Hagen's art for Hiawatha Passing.
Madison favorite Jeff Hagen, the artist and author who has memorialized Wisconsin fish fries (Fry Me to the Moon and Codfather 2) Midwestern burger joints (Searching for the Holy Grill) and coffeehouses (Brewed Awakenings) will appear in an event in conjunction with the Fitchburg Public library tomorrow evening.
Hagen, who now resides in Lafayette, Indiana, but maintains fond ties with the Madison area, will be reading his award-winning children's book Hiawatha Passing Thursday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in the Fitchburg Room of the Fitchburg Community Center. The book represents the part of Hagen's oeuvre that does not concern food.
Hiawatha Passing, which was named one of the ten best children's books published in 1995 by the New York Times, concerns a little boy encountering the historic passenger train, which ran through Wisconsin between Chicago and the Twin Cities. There's one original copy of the book left, and it will be going to the Fitchburg library.
Following the reading, there will be a reception with food where guests can meet the author, and have books and posters signed. Posters of Hagen's art will be for sale for $25.
This is a free event for all ages.
