By D23 Team
We’ve already told you about all the artful eats to enjoy at Epcot’s latest International Festival of the Arts, lasting from January 12 to Febuary 19, but this festival offers even more ways for you to celebrate the world of art. Become a Disney art expert at the Odyssey Festival Showplace—Disney Book Shop, where you can buy books detailing Disney’s wide history of art, and where you’ll even have the chance to meet some of the authors themselves at special events! Here are some of the titles you can enjoy now:
The Art of Disney’s Dragons
What’s giant, scaly, and designed with amazing detail and attention? Why, it’s Disney’s dragons, of course! In The Art of Disney’s Dragons, character designer and former Disney Animator Tom Bancroft takes you on a journey of fascinating character studies of Disney dragons from films and the park. Enjoy bold storyboards of Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent, color concepts of Figment (who was green before he became purple!), and playful studies of Mulan’s Mushu. Get a peek at the book, here.
Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation
Meet the pioneering women who brought hand-rendered animated stories to vibrant, multicolored life at Disney. Extensively researched by film historian Mindy Johnson, this book features a multitude of newly discovered materials and never-before-seen images, redefining the collective history of animation.
Want to celebrate the women of Ink & Paint even more? Mindy Johnson will be holding book signings/workshops on January 12–14.
And if you’d like some hands-on experience as part of the Ink & Paint department, Lynn Rippberger, Disney Animation Ink and Paint Artist, will hold workshops on the history of 2-D cel animation on January 28 and February 11.
The Art of the Disney Golden Books
Did you grow up flipping through the beautifully illustrated pages of Disney Golden Books? Author Charles Solomon celebrates these unique works of literary art through interviews with contemporary animators who grew up with the books, paintings by artists who influenced and inspired the Disney Golden Book illustrations, and a generous complement of Golden Book artwork itself—much of which was thought to have been lost until very recently!
Catch My Breath (Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase)
In this picture book by Paul Briggs, a boy’s breath becomes personified, and it zooms away through farm, forest, and sea, returning only when the boy least expects it. Paul has worked in animation for 20 years and headed story on Disney’s Frozen and Big Hero 6.
If the book leaves you breathless and in need of more excitement, Paul Briggs will be holding book signings/workshops on February 2–3.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons
For anyone interested in Disney origins, fascinated by early cinema, or entertained by a feisty little rabbit, it’s your lucky day! This engaging and accessible volume by entertainment historian David A. Bossert delivers an in-depth look at Walt’s first major animated success and the journey to reclaim the lost Disney films.
David A. Bossert will be holding book signings/workshops on February 10–11 for his three titles:
- The Art of Tennessee Loveless: The Mickey Mouse TEN x TEN x TEN Contemporary Pop Art Series
- Dali & Disney: Destino—The Story, Artwork, and Friendship Behind the Legendary Film
- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons
The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic
Let The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic by Jason Surrell, theme park creative designer and former Disney Imagineer, follow you home (along with a hitchhiking ghost, of course. Shiver as you explore early concept sketches, detailed architectural drawings, and stunning still photography that illustrates the Mansion’s evolution as it was designed and built at each Magic Kingdom park around the world—including Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland.
A Kiss Goodnight
Disney Legend Richard Sherman and Disney Legend Floyd Norman bring you a touching story about what inspired legendary songwriter Richard Sherman to write the song “A Kiss Goodnight” and tells how a young Walt Disney was enchanted by fireworks, keeping his promise to send all his guests home with a special kiss goodnight.
My Pride: Mastering Life’s Daily Performance with Broadway’s Record-Breaking Lion King
Get a look into the circle of life of The Lion King on Broadway. Drawing on his own life and career and the rich lore of The Lion King, Alton Fitzgerald White explores how his experiences encourage him to live each day with satisfaction, pride, and a sense of accomplishment.
Want to experience the pride for yourself? Alton Fitzgerald White will be performing in the America Gardens Theatre January 26–29 and February 2–5.
White will also hold book signings on January 29–February 2.
Poster Art of the Disney Parks
If you’re as obsessed with Disney Parks as we are, you’ll love this lush compendium of posters from Disney theme parks around the globe, featuring concept art and lively narratives about the development of the stunning posters! Disney Imagineers Danny Handke and Vanessa Hunt give Disney fans an amazing inside look at the beautiful poster art we’ve come to know and love.
Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century
Packed with rarely seen Disney art and photography of the mid-20th century, this book by acclaimed film producer and director Don Hahn explores the unique modern style that Walt Disney and his artists contributed to this iconic era.
Want to learn more about this magical era? Don Hahn will be holding book signings/workshops on February 17–18.
You can find more information on the Epcot International Festival of the Arts here.
