Talk of art, history and literature will fill the Oxford Public Library on April 29 as local author Iris Underwood and illustrator Joyce Harlukowicz visit to speak on “The Mantle.” Underwood penned the novel last fall and Harlukowicz illustrated it.

In telling the story of the fictional Mahari people, Underwood did a great deal of research. At the talk and book signing, she and Harlukowicz will break down how they did what they did.

“I will talk about the indivisible relationship between art and literature and the different art institutes and historical museums and specific places that influenced the art in ‘The Mantle’… She speaks to the history of it and how she went about illustrating my novel,” Underwood said.

While building a fictional society, Underwood turned to a number of museums, which include the local North Oakland Historical Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts. At the DIA in particular, she found inspiration for the look and the setting of the Mahari people based on Native American artifacts.

On that same note, Harlukowicz will speak on what influenced her in the design of the book’s cover and page illustrations, right down to why she chose the color scheme she did.

“A lot of work goes into a book cover jacket,” Underwood said.”A lot of work goes into just the cover.”

Aside from the art, Underwood will also explore the people, places and events that shaped the way she wrote he debut novel, which was given a silver medal by the Illumination Book Awards.

The talk will start at 7 p.m., and Underwood hopes the public will take a break from their daily routines for a night full of the power of art and words.