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Disney art

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – A Must Visit!

15 February 2017 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Epcot Festival of the Arts I love a good festival. Art, Food, Renaissance, Fools, I’m always up for a festival. I’ve written many times before about the various established Epcot festivals. Originally begun to bolster lower attendance weeks at Walt Disney World, the first modern, well-promoted festival at Epcot was the International Flower and Garden Festival, which began in 1993. I missed the first couple of years, but when I moved down in 1995 and began working for Walt Disney World, it became a tradition to attend. The Flower and Garden Festival always revolved around Mother’s Day and back then, Disney provided a free photo op (much like they also used to at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). It became a Mother’s Day tradition to attend with my mom, enjoy all the fun topiaries and floral displays, dine in France, and get our photo taken together. Also in 1995, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began. I remember how exciting those first years were; being able to stroll around World Showcase and sample smaller bites from countries that may not have a full pavilion, but have some great flavors to offer. It was a fun time.

Now, there are very few “low attendance times” at Walt Disney World. People now plan their visits around the festivals, in order to try the food items, or take part in the many seminars and sessions offered. Another addition over the years was runDisney appearing on the scene, with some races around the festivals, making it even more well-attended. And, of course, Epcot drinking teams also became a thing, giving Food & Wine bit of a reputation for drunken hordes roaming the World Showcase Promenade. That is not to say these festivals are not still enjoyable, just that they have considerably changed over the years, and become an entity unto themselves. As a local, it’s still fun to go on a weeknight and try the foods, or perhaps splurge on a dining event offered. My husband and I did the Parisian Afternoon last year and had a lovely time. There is always something new to see or experience, so you really can get out of the festivals what you want.

Figment Topiary Enter #ArtfulEpcot. Quietly sauntering into the festival scene in the middle of January this year, the Epcot International Art Festival became an INSTANT hit. And I do mean instant. There was very little info provided about this festival far ahead of time. We saw a few photos of “artsy food” which, yes, looked amazing, but I don’t think I was alone when I thought, “oh, it’ll be Food & Wine in February…” and also wondered how they would pull off these artistic food creations under the usually extreme conditions of festival food booths. Then, I walked into Epcot the first Friday it opened, saw a perfectly crafted Figment topiary, complete with two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, horns of a steer…he really was a lovable fellow. Sorry, it’s impossible for me not to break into song when discussing Figment. Anyway, I sort of fell in love, again, with Epcot.

Of course it was more than just a Figment topiary to make me appreciate this new festival. I attended an event which highlighted the various food creations, merchandise, and entertainment offerings within the festival. Every cast member on hand who spoke about their area of expertise was so passionate and excited. That excitement was contagious, and I soon realized this was something very different from just another festival. As we strolled around Epcot, I saw more and more reasons why this was going to be a big hit.

There are many different types of Disney fan out there. I’ve spoken about what kind I am before, and though there are most certainly no wrong or right type of fan, there are many others like me, who love the history of the Walt Disney Company, the pioneering advances and different thinking that made it succeed, even while it was doomed to fail. We Disney history nerds love the original concept, hopes, and ideals that EPCOT Center stood for both in Walt’s initial idea, and the 1982-1994 incarnation of the theme park once known as EPCOT Center. I have professed my love for this park endless times. That park doesn’t really exist today, but you can see glimpses and sparks of it if you know where to look. As an EPCOT Center fan, it’s completely normal and acceptable behavior to stare at wall carpet, marvel at the ride system within Universe of Energy (Ellen’s Energy Adventure), or watch Impressions de France on repeat, while the rest of the park may be lining up for characters or Frozen or Test Track. That is not to say we can’t also enjoy some of the park’s current lineup. It is to say, we miss original EPCOT and all that it represented to us.

Epcot Festival of the Arts What the Epcot Festival of the Arts has done is found the perfect mix, to entertain the masses, and delight those who dearly miss what EPCOT once was. How? Well, for starters, the entire design of the festival speaks to EPCOT in a modern way. Muted, watercolor style images of park icons, including the original EPCOT Center logo, make my 1980’s heart sing. Figment is the “mascot” of the festival, but not in an annoying, or out of place way. He represents the very spirit of art, appearing in each World Showcase country, in a work of art hailing from the country you are in, only Figment-ized. A perfect way to get kids (and adults) interested in art and seek out more knowledge about the pieces featured, the countries, and art in general. This “scavenger hunt” featuring Figment is actually available as a paid activity. You purchase a Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt map for $6.99 from several possible locations, and then match the Figment artwork to the artwork featured in the World Showcase pavilions. Turn in your map when you’re done, and you’ll get a prize. It’s fun either way!

Figment Scavenger Hunt
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Speaking of art, there are not one but two mini-galleries of original and concept art at the festival. Artists, Imagineers and Disney Legends Herb Ryman and Mary Blair have their artwork displayed within (another EPCOT Center holdout) the Odyssey restaurant. There we can see huge versions of Ryman’s original concept art for EPCOT and its Future World pavilions, as well as a selection of  Mary Blair’s South American-inspired art pieces. Also within the Odyssey are free – yes FREE – informational sessions from topics like the animation ink and paint process, to different types of tea. There are also paid sessions on specific art topics which include take-home items from the lesson too. As you stroll around World Showcase, there are also classes like origami making or anime drawing in Japan, various chalk displays around the world, and fun photo ops where you become part of a famous work of art. Animation Academy, once held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also makes a reappearance in Innoventions during the festival.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The hit of the festival since it opened has been the Paint By Numbers Mural found between Future World and World Showcase. You are given – again, completely free – a tiny cup of paint and a paint brush and told to paint anywhere from 3-5 (depending on how busy it is) squares matching your color to your number. For the first few weekends, it was a Future World image, the full size version of what is available at character meets as the backdrop in the front of Epcot. Last weekend, the mural design was changed to a World Showcase image, which was also a big hit. When the murals are completed, they are changed out for blank canvases and guests can start all over again. It is sponsored by Glidden’s line of Disney-inspired paint names, so that adds for a fun connection.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts

The seven “Food Studios” (see full list of menu items at that link)as they call the food booths at this event, may be small in number, but the varied items almost all take a unique spin on a classic food item, or highlight favorites with an artistic twist. My favorites were the Classic Reuben, which looks anything but classic with it’s futuristic “rye curl” in place of traditional bread, and the Scallop with Chorizo found in America at The Artist’s Table. Oh, and don’t forget the jaw-dropping Piet Mondrian-inspired cake at Pop Eats! as well as adorable “chocolate easels” which are an edible work of art in the form of Figment, Mickey and Pluto, or Mary Blair designs. (Click to read full captions below)

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Classic Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage and a Rye Curl
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V)
Epcot Festival of the Arts Deconstructed Sweet Potato Pie
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts: Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt (V) Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs & Everything Bagel Seasoning Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder (GF)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Maple Bourbon Cream, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (also available in non-alcoholic)
Epcot Festival of the Arts
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate (photo by Disney)
Figment Chocolate Easel
Chocolate Figment Easel

Bridging the gap from classic art to modern, there are also many booths around World Showcase, featuring Disney artists and local artisans alike. Many of the artists are on hand to sign their work. It’s a great way to build your art collection with some originals or prints and meet your favorite artists at the same time.

Epcot Festival of the Arts
Artist Joey Chou signs his work

To top off all that this festival has to offer, at the end of the day, Disney on Broadway Concert Series stars appear at the American Gardens Theatre three times a night, perfoming hit songs from the ever-growing catalog of the Disney Broadway productions. As a huge Broadway musical fan, these shows were the perfect fit. I’ve seen two sets of performers and every show was incredible. Such amazing talent. The shows always seem to have a full house too, so I think this series has been very well received.

Epcot Festival of the Arts Broadway
Epcot Festival of the Arts

Word has spread fast online about this incredible festival, which has quickly become my favorite of the Epcot festival lineup. Every aspect of Artful Epcot fills me with joy, and I hope it returns for years to come, running all week long instead of just long weekends. My only fear is that this charming, quaint, interactive festival that offers so much for so many, will lose that charm if it expands too much. However, I’ll put my confidence in the designers behind the scenes to ensure that doesn’t happen. Part of what made the Festival of the Arts such a success is the way it mixed history with present day, classic with modern, and just enough included opportunities that you don’t feel like you have to shell out premium prices (other than a ticket to the park), to experience all this festival has to offer.

Herb Ryman Epcot Concept Art

There is just one weekend left to the Epcot Festival of the Arts, so I urge you to get down there, get some paint on your hands and chocolate on your face and ENJOY! If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the festival was or what you hope is added next time around.

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Filed Under: Disney Parks, Resorts, & Entertainment, Disney Planning, Disney Special Events, Family Travel, Top Stories, Travel Tagged With: Artful Epcot, ArtfulEpcot, Disney art, Disney Dining, Disney festivals, Epcot, Epcot Art Festival, EPCOT Center, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Figment, World Showcase

Festival of the Masters 2012 Photo Tour

11 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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John Coulter's artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter’s artwork for Festival of the Masters

The action never stops at Walt Disney World Resort and just when the Halloween events have ended and the International Food and Wine Festival is winding down, the Festival of the Masters shines on the second weekend in November, bringing artists and craftsmen from around the world to Downtown Disney to share their talents. Sponsored by Michaels stores, the Festival of the Masters offers something for everyone, from kids and family crafts, to fine art displays and sales. It is a great way to discover some new favorite artists and see the talent that lies behind Disney’s amazing Cast Members as well.

The Disney art section is always my favorite, with fabulous artists like Will Gay, Noah, Katie Kelly, and so many more, sharing their hard work and interpretation of Disney classics. Be sure to check out the LEGO booths, which offer a chance to create a mosaic tile which becomes part of a larger LEGO mural. There are other interactive stops stretching all across Downtown Disney from the West Side to the Marketplace. Chalk drawings, artist signings and more await. Here are some photo highlights – click any photo to view as a slideshow:

Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Custom Vinylmation at Festival of the Masters
Noah at Festival of the Masters
Noah at Festival of the Masters
Patriotic Mickey Festival of the Masters
Patriotic Mickey at Festival of the Masters
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art by Greg Trombo
Greg Trombo at Festival of the Masters
Greg Trombo at Festival of the Masters
John Coulter's artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
John Coulter art Festival of the Masters
John Coulter art Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly's artwork for Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly art Festival of the Masters
Katie Kelly art Festival of the Masters
Will Gay decks at Festival of the Masters
Will Gay decks at Festival of the Masters
Will Gay's artwork for Festival of the Masters
Will Gay’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Fesitval of the Masters Disney art
Will Gay’s artwork for Festival of the Masters
Festival of the Masters artist signing schedule
Festival of the Masters artist signing schedule
Graham Knuttel's sheep sculptures
Graham Knuttel’s sheep sculptures
Graham Knuttel painting at Raglan Road
Graham Knuttel painting sheep at Raglan Road
Festival of the Masters special cupcakes
Festival of the Masters special cupcakes
Festival of the Masters food booth
Festival of the Masters food booth
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Epic Mickey 2 Festival of the Masters
Ghirardelli craft Festival of the Masters
Ghirardelli craft Festival of the Masters
Lego Mosaic
Gio showing off his Lego mosaic piece
Lego Mosaic
Gio hammering in his Lego mosaic
Michaels Duct Tape Craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels Duct Tape Craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels frame craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels frame craft Festival of the Masters
Michaels mosaic Mickey
Michaels mosaic Mickey at the Festival of the Masters

 

Disney’s Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels wraps up today at 5pm, so if you are in the area, stroll on over and get your art on!

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Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Walt Disney World Tagged With: art displays, cast members, chalk drawings, Disney art, Disney Art Festival, disney world resort, Downtown Disney, fabulous artists, family crafts, Festival of the Masters, FotM, FotM 2012, John Coulter, katie kelly, mosaic tile, Noah fine art, Walt Disney World, walt disney world resort, Will Gay

Disney Pixar’s Wall-E Custom Fan-Painted Shoes

11 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I know I’m not alone in thinking Wall-E and EVE are one of Disney’s greatest love stories. Somehow we can all identify with robots because of that film. Here’s another great pair of custom painted shoes from artist Taylor Litonjua on etsy:

Wall-E and EVE sneakers
Wall-E and EVE custom painted shoes
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Filed Under: Themed Merchandise Tagged With: art, custom painted shoes, Disney art, Disney fan art, Disney Pixar, EVE, EVE shoes, fan art, Pixar fan art, shoes, unofficial Disney, Wall-E, Wall-E fan art, Wall-E shoes

Adorable Disney Princess Cupcake Jewelry Pendants

10 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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What better combination is there than Disney princesses AND cupcakes? Throw jewelry into the mix and you’re all set! I found these adorable fan-made creations on etsy from KTJennuary. The seller has them as a set or individual purchase – check them out:

Disney Princess Cupcake pendants
Click the link above for more photos!

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Filed Under: Themed Merchandise Tagged With: Alice in Wonderland, ariel, art, Aurora, Belle, cupcake jewelry, cupcakes, Disney art, Disney fan art, Disney princess jewelry, Disney princesses, fan art, jasmine, Princess cupcakes, princess jewelry, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Tiana, tinker bell, unofficial Disney

Disney Pixar’s “UP” Custom Fan-Painted Tom’s Shoes

8 August 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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There are quite a few custom-painted shoes out there, but I thought these were particularly well done. Check out the artist Taylor Litonjua on etsy:

Disney Pixar UP Custom Painted Tom's Shoes
Disney Pixar UP Custom Painted Tom’s Shoes

 

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Filed Under: Themed Merchandise Tagged With: art, custom painted shoes, custom painted Tom's shoes, Disney art, Disney fan art, Disney Pixar, Disney Pixar's UP, fan art, Pixar fan art, shoes, Tom's shoes, unofficial Disney, Up, UP fan art

Alice in Wonderland Sculpture Hiding in Kissimmee

28 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I must admit, sometimes my family does not actually stay on Disney property. I know, I know, it’s shocking! A lot of times we just plan last minute things and we don’t want to go to the expense of a Disney resort, but we also don’t want to stay in a shady place. When we travel with my mom, we need to have enough room for everyone, so we often stay at timeshare condos that rent their villas. In this case, we stayed at one for my husband’s birthday. Imagine my surprise as we stopped by the main registration building at Westgate Villas and Jerry pointed out this amazing Alice in Wonderland metal sculpture just sitting unassumingly next to some palm trees, without another Disney reference in site. I wouldn’t have even noticed it if he hadn’t said anything. Obviously I had to take pictures of it! (Click to enlarge)

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Hmm...curiouser and curiouser...

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
It's really tall!

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
The detail is pretty amazing!

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and the Walrus and the Carpenter

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Flowers and the Caterpillar

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter and March Hare

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Cards and the King of Hearts

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
Queen of Hearts

 

Alice in Wonderland sculpture
I was even more shocked to see that this was actually gifted by Walt Disney Productions and dedicated all the way back in 1988! Who knew?!

 

Did anyone else know this was hiding back here off 192 in Kissimmee? Anyone know more details about how or why it was commissioned or donated? I’d love to hear the story behind it! In the meantime, it’s a cool and mysterious little treasure hiding off Disney property. Quite a happy discovery!

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Tagged With: Alice in Wonderland, Alice in Wonderland metal sculpture, Disney art, Disney sculpture, hidden Disney, Kissimmee resorts, Kissimmee timeshares, metal sculpture, Walt Disney Productions, Westgate Villas

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