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I am excited to see this new gallery!
I can’t believe how time flies. It seems like just yesterday I announced the concept of WonderGround Gallery right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Now, June 9 is around the corner and the grand opening is something you won’t want to miss.
One of the things I’m most excited to share with you is the debut of the new Vinylmation 95 platform! Guaranteed to get your motor racing, this new 9” form is shaped like the one and only Lightning McQueen and pays tribute to his signature number, 95. What makes it even better is that six of our WonderGround Gallery artists have been commissioned to create one-of-a-kind pieces utilizing the new platform. In addition, Artist in Residence for June, Noah, will debut a limited edition version of his Lightning McQueen Vinylmation 95 platform the same day. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look as Noah puts the finishing touches on this classic new piece.
As I mentioned above, WonderGround Gallery will feature an Artist in Residence program. Each month, a new artist will call WonderGround Gallery their home as they work on upcoming projects, live paintings, art demonstrations and more. Local Southern California artist Noah is scheduled to be our very first Artist in Residence and will be on hand every Friday and Saturday night throughout the month of June, from 5–9 p.m. In addition to our Artist in Residence, other local artisans will appear to showcase some of their new releases and collections.
There are so many great events planned for the opening and throughout the month. Here are a few things you should keep on your radar. For a complete list of artists that will be appearing on June 9, be sure to visitWonderGroundGallery.com.
Events/Artist Signings
- June 9 – Vinylmation Signing, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- June 9 – 2D Artist Signings, 3 – 5 p.m.
Artist in Residence
- June 15 – 16 – Noah, 5 – 9 p.m.
Artisan Showcase
- June 16 – 17 – Mamas Little Babies, 1 – 4 p.m.
- June 23 – 24 – Artisan, 1 – 4 p.m.
- June 30 – July 1 – Artisan, 1 – 4 p.m.
What else can you expect to find in WonderGround Gallery? Well, let me paint you a picture. Not only will you find original artwork on the walls, but you can actually find some of this featured art on an array of items, including limited-edition giclées, deluxe prints, t-shirts, mugs, magnets and more. In addition, look for art-inspired home and lifestyle products, including books, journals, note cards, picture frames, novelty pens, stencils, vases, paperweights and art figures, among other items.
Now, I couldn’t let you go without a sneak peek at a few more pieces of art. Hope you like them!
Have you ever had a room or space for a million different ideas that immediately came to mind? Here at theDisneyland Resort, we’ve actually found that place, and I’m excited to be able to share with all of you that WonderGround Gallery is coming to the Downtown Disney District on June 9, 2012. Distinctive, eclectic and uncommon, this contemporary setting is, in itself, a blank canvas, providing the ultimate venue where unique art collections, works from a new generation of artists, and unexpected finds in home and lifestyle merchandise take center stage.
With its name giving a nod to the magic and wonder of Disney animation, 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 of art allows us to do. Showcasing artwork inspired by Disney●Pixar films, characters and icons, as well as paying tribute to the one and only Mickey Mouse, more than 25 local and domestic up-and-coming artists will have their unique interpretations available for you to add to your Disney collection. This variety of commissioned, original and limited-edition artwork reflecting various styles, techniques and mediums will provide an eclectic environment in this store.
I had the chance to briefly chat with Sonia Martins, Exhibit and Events Manager for this new location. “What I love about WonderGround is that it acts as a living, breathing environment for the arts,” says Sonia. “This gallery reaches a fresh and diverse audience by offering distinct art and lifestyle wares uniquely targeted to a savvy art crowd, as well as trendy Disney enthusiasts, both intrinsically connected to our growing technological society. When you blend technology with art, a new and innovative experience awaits. We are so excited to bring this vibrant energy to the Downtown Disney District.”
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here’s a peek through the looking glass of what’s to come for this uncommon gallery.
Look for more details in the coming weeks on the Disney Parks Blog and of course, on ArtofDisneyParks.com, as we give you a first-hand look at some of the other artists, their artwork, and a list of some of the exciting events scheduled to take place, including our artists in residence, sketch artists and more.
Don’t forget today is Compass Bookstores Last Day of operation. Go in and see if you can snag some great deals on books and media.
I am very excited that Earl of Sandwich will be replacing Compass Bookstore. Here is the Parks Blog Post from February:
If you read my posts last week about the changes coming to La Brea Bakery Café and the LEGO Store, you know that there are new and exciting things coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, and today I am excited to announce that Earl of Sandwich is coming in early summer 2012!
The new restaurant, which continues to have historical ties to the inventor of the sandwich, the Sandwich family, will be located adjacent to AMC Theatres. Signature hot sandwiches will be available including The Original 1762, a sandwich of freshly roasted beef, sharp cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce all on freshly baked artisan bread. Soups, salads, wraps and desserts also are on the menu. Earl of Sandwich offers a vast array of hot and cold beverages including The Earl’s Grey Lemonade. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries will be available in the morning and a variety of catering options will be offered at this location.
This will be the only Earl of Sandwich in California and it is sure to be a favorite among our guests as it has been at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris.
We are very excited to welcome Earl of Sandwich to Downtown Disney District and hope to see you all there this summer!
Again I am sad to see Compass Bookstore closing but so happy it will be replaced with something amazing (Earl of Sandwich)! In the mean time Compass Books is having a clearance sale until they close on March 31st, so if your in the area go check out the sale!
Between Earl of Sandwich, Starbucks, and La Brea’s new menu Downtown Disney’s food service has been taken to a whole new level! I cannot wait to try La Brea’s new menu:
Look for a late May opening of the expanded La Brea Bakery Café in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, when lots of classics will be back on the menu. But it’s the new creations we can’t wait to try, like the brioche French toast or the Croque Madame sandwich made with gruyere cheese topped with a fried egg, both on the breakfast menu.
The centerpiece of the café is a new exhibition baking area, so guests can watch the chefs in action. A state-of-the-art wood stone oven will turn out new signature focaccia dishes, artisan flat breads, baked pastas, and other made-to-order dishes. And of course, La Brea’s fresh pastries and breads will be in the oven.
We checked, and classics like the turkey, avocado and arugula on country wheat bread, and the fresh mozzarella sandwich with basil and sun-dried tomatoes will stay on the menu. Ditto for Nancy’s Chop Salad, Cobb salad, classic Greek salad and Tuscan chicken salad, all with made-from-scratch dressings. For a heartier lunch or dinner, we recommend the seared salmon with crushed European potatoes, or Italian sausage pasta with crushed tomato sauce. The delicious menu is inspired by La Brea Bakery’s founder, Nancy Silverton.
The new décor features soft earth tones, highlighted by fresh food displays in the adjacent express area. Outdoors, new awnings, ceiling heaters and fans will offer expanded, comfortable seating.
Its about time we got an Earl of Sandwich, that place is so yummy and a must do when I go to Walt Disney World. It looks like Disney is also expanding the front of the store with a covered patio. They will definitely need as much seating as they can get, this place will be packed! Yay for Earl of Sandwich.
If you read my posts last week about the changes coming to La Brea Bakery Café and the LEGO Store, you know that there are new and exciting things coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, and today I am excited to announce that Earl of Sandwich is coming in early summer 2012!
The new restaurant, which continues to have historical ties to the inventor of the sandwich, the Sandwich family, will be located adjacent to AMC Theatres. Signature hot sandwiches will be available including The Original 1762, a sandwich of freshly roasted beef, sharp cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce all on freshly baked artisan bread. Soups, salads, wraps and desserts also are on the menu. Earl of Sandwich offers a vast array of hot and cold beverages including The Earl’s Grey Lemonade. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries will be available in the morning and a variety of catering options will be offered at this location.
This will be the only Earl of Sandwich in California and it is sure to be a favorite among our guests as it has been at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris.
We are very excited to welcome Earl of Sandwich to Downtown Disney District and hope to see you all there this summer!
Its about time this store got some love. Can’t wait to see it when its all done!
A brand-new and completely remodeledLEGO Storeis coming this spring to theDowntown Disney Districtat theDisneyland Resort! The current store opened in 2001 and has held some of the largest and most amazing LEGO models found anywhere in world. Millions of guests have visited the store and created memories that will last the rest of their lives.
This month, the LEGO Store will move into a temporary location in the Downtown Disney District, while its permanent site gets a complete LEGO overhaul! Guests will enjoy a brand-new interactive outdoor play area, all-new play areas inside the store, and of course, new large-scale LEGO models located both inside and outside the re-imagined LEGO Store.
Check back for updates on the Disney Parks Blog for details on the LEGO Store Grand Re-Opening Celebration this spring!
I am sad to read that Compass Bookstore in DLR’s Downtown Disney will be closing March 31st. No word on a replacement yet. What do you think should replace it?
