WonderGround Gallery certainly adds new meaning to the phrase “state of the art.” The 1,442 square-foot store, which was just announced today on the Disney Parks Blog, will rotate and exhibit Disney’s latest commissioned artists and their works—with the help of the latest tech gadgets and trends—in a whole new way at Downtown Disney, Disneyland Resort, beginning June 9, 2012.
Scotty Reifsnyder's piece titled "Here Kitty, Kitty" will be on display. Scotty, an artist from Pennsylvania, says, "My two-year-old son, Lukas, observed a cat in our neighbor's tree and said, 'Mr. Incredible!' He remembered the scene from the film where Mr. Incredible saves an elderly lady's pet cat while trying to stop fleeing bank robbers. It's easy to overlook the scene because it's in the beginning of the film, but it really defines Mr. Incredible as the ultimate no-job-is-too-small superhero."
It will be the first of its kind, a tech-driven art store at a Disney theme park. And while specifics of how the social-media generation will interact with the art are still in the development phase, the WonderGround promises to be much more interactive than your traditional art gallery or store. “Shoppers are ready to use emerging technology in a Disney retail setting,” Barbara Romo-Cole, merchandise marketing manager, says. “At WonderGround, our unique products and displays will allow guests to be immersed into the show and to experience just that—the first Disney retail location to utilize the latest technology trends.”
Artists Frank Svengsouk and Stacey Aoyama tag-teamed on this representation of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
WonderGround Gallery will showcase many pieces at one time—with varying styles, techniques, and mediums—so there’s bound to be something for every Disney art lover. And when it opens, more than 25 artists will display their interpretations of Disney’s most iconic stories, ranging from the classic Mickey Mouse to characters from the latest Pixar releases. “This first showcase will really focus on artwork inspired by Disney•Pixar films, characters and icons, and Mickey Mouse,” says Michelle Harker, merchandise marketing and communications. “We will offer some of these art pieces in a variety of formats, including originals, giclées, prints, and more. There will also be a selection of lifestyle gallery-esque merchandise available, including note card collections, journals, and novelty items. It will be great to see things in oil, digital, paper sculpture, tin, and more… all come together in one place!”
Artist Scotty Reifsnyder's take on Mickey Mouse.
Wondering where the name came from? The official word is that “WonderGround Gallery draws inspiration from Disney’s deeply rooted art and storytelling-driven heritage, especially the idea of stepping through the looking glass, which the greatest artwork allows us to do.” And we Disney art collectors can’t wait to do just that!
“I think it opens up the door for new art and new interpretations of some of our beloved classic characters,” Michelle says. “It pays tribute to the history of Disney art and storytelling, but it lets new generations of artists tell their stories about these characters and what they mean to them. We’re hoping to change the way that people think about art.”
Stay tuned to D23.com and ArtofDisneyParks.com for the latest news and information about WonderGround Gallery.
By D23′s Billy Stanek
