When people talk about upcoming Disney-related events, you tend to hear the same three names over and over again: Anaheim, Burbank, Orlando.
Which is great … if you happen to actually live near Anaheim, Burbank or Orlando.
But as for the rest of us … Getting a dose of Disney magic usually involves a plane ticket. Or — at the very least — a very long car ride.
Which is why — whenever I hear about Mouse-related events that are being held outside of Southern California and/or Central Florida — I really like to talk them up. So if you live in the Bay Area and need a Disney fix, I’m going to suggest that you clear your calendar on Saturday, October 27th. That way, you’ll then be available to follow the itinerary that I’m about to sketch out. Which will then send you off on a one-of-a-kind Disney-related roadtrip.
Your day will start in San Francisco. At 655 Mission Street, to be exact. The home of the Cartoon Art Museum.
You’ll be at the CAM right at 11 a.m., just as this museum opens for the day. That way, you can be among the very first to see “The Art and Flair of Mary Blair.”
Copyright 2003 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
As you stroll through the Cartoon Art Museum’s gallery space, you’re going to see an amazing retrospective of this Disney Legend‘s work. Featuring pieces from Kevin Blair (i.e. son of Mary & Lee Blair, nephew of Preston) ‘s personal archives, “The Art and Flair of Mary Blair” will take an in-depth look at the groundbreaking concept art that she created for “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.” Not to mention the work that Blair did for children’s books and advertisements back in the 1950s.
This new Cartoon Art Museum exhibit is sure to be a must-see for Disneyana fans. Given that it will not only feature Mary’s movie work but will also touch on the designs that she did for the Disney theme parks. With particular attention being paid to Blair’s contributions on the “it’s a small world” project.
Well, even if it really is a small world, you’re still going to need to get a move on if you’re going to complete today’s intinerary. So after you’ve had your fill of Mary’s charming geometric designs, hop back in your car and head over the Bay Bridge. Follow 80 East to 580 East out to Livermore. Where you’ll then make a stop at “Where the Magic Begins.”
Copyright 2007 Disney / Collectors Editions. All Rights Reserved
If you’re a Disneyana fan who lives in the Bay Area, you’re probably already well aware of this unique shop at Las Positas Court. Which features a wide variety of Disney gifts & collectibles. Not to mention special events like signings by noted Mouse-related authors and artists.
And Saturday, October 27th is a particularly special day at “Where the Magic Begins.” Given that visual effects whiz Harrison Ellenshaw will be on site from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where he’ll then be available to sign pieces from the “Disney Art by Ellenshaw” collection.
These paintings draw their inspiration from many of the classic films that Walt Disney Pictures has produced over the past 50 years. With each limited edition giclée-on-canvas being signed & numbered by either Harrison or his Disney Legend father, the late Peter Ellenshaw.
Michael Young of Collectors Editions will also be on hand for this event, where Harrison will premiere a series of castles that were painted by his late father, Disney Legend Peter Ellenshaw. These paintings draw their inspiration from many of the classic films that Walt Disney Pictures has produced over the past 50 years. With each limited edition giclée-on-canvas being signed & numbered by either Harrison or Peter.
Copyright 2007 Disney / Collectors Editions. All Rights Reserved
Which sounds like a really fun way to spend your afternoon, don’t you think? Wait. It gets better.
If you hang at “Where the Magic Begins” ’til 5 p.m. on October 27th, you’ll then get to witness a one-of-kind Disney wedding. Where store owners Rick & Cindy Russell will be tying the knot, Cinderella style. With the Coach & the horses, the mice and the pumpkins, even the Fairy Godmother will be on hand.
That sounds like a pretty magical way to end your Disney-related day in the Bay Area, don’t you think?
For further information on “The Art and Flair of Mary Blair” exhibit at the Cartoon Art Museum, please click on this link and/or call (415) CAR-TOON.
If you’d like to learn more about Cindy & Rick Russell’s wedding and/or Harrison Ellenshaw’s signing event at “Where the Magic Begins” on Saturday, October 27th, please click on this link or call (866) 441-2766.