70th Anniversary of Snow White - DCA Event (2007)

On November 16, 2007, a special commemorative event was held at Disney's California Adventure Park in honor of the 70th Anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Park Guide Map, November 2007. The "Fairest One of All" exhibit is mentioned on backside...

Also see the park banners that were hung.

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The Event Packages...

Guests could sign up for one of two itineraries for the 70th anniversary event. The first was the $25 Magic Mirror deal which bought you admission to DCA at 5:00 pm. You'd get a commemorative gift and have time to shop for other anniversary merchandise. This was followed by a special introduction to and screening of the film.

The more attractive package was the $150 Poisoned Apple program. It included the above but with admission to the park at the earlier time of 2:00 pm. Guests would have the first look at the limited edition merchandise plus have the opportunity to get their pieces signed by the artists on hand. This was followed at 5:00 pm with food and a drink at the Snow White Soiree. A panel discussion at 6:00 pm would include Roy E. Disney, John Lasseter and others. Next came a preview tour of "The Fairest One of All" art exhibit in the Animation Building, before being led to reserved seating at the Hyperion Theater for the film screening.

Registration for the event was at the east esplanade.

Registration Sign and Table image via Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page. Used with permission.

Registration Table

Guests were handed their registration packets which contained among other things their event badges, itineraries, and keepsake vouchers.

Magic Mirror Badge 

Poison Apple Badge (front and back). Badges via Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page.

Guests were told to hang onto their commemorative keepsake voucher until the end of the day when they would be able to redeem it for something rather cool.

Keepsake Voucher

Poison Apple Itinerary from the Walt Disney Event Services website...

Each guest was also handed a free boxed gift. Inside was a surprise souvenir (next post).

Gift Box image via Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page.

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The Merchandise...

The event store was set up in the Stage 12 building where there was no shortage of commemorative 70th Anniversary merch to be had. Well...actually...most items were limited editions so a Random Selection Process was used to insure the fair distribution to attendees. Some of the collectibles were simple keepsakes such as this magnet and keychain displaying the anniversary logo.

Magnet ($5.00); Keychain ($6.50).

Concept Art

Other merchandise included things like the limited edition 1937 lobby card lithographs...

Lobby Card Lithos

...as well as a mug and shot glass, a wristwatch, tee shirts, and commemorative pins.

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Artist Signings...

In additional to the 70th anniversary merchandise, attendees also had the opportunity to purchase and have personally signed original art and prints from such Disney artists as Robert Olszewski, Toby Bluth, Yakovetic, Elisabete Gomes, David Bird, and Dave Avanzino.

The Fairest One Of All Shadowbox

by Dave Avanzino

Medium: Mixed Media

Edition Size: 10

Retail: $800

Measures:

12.5" x 16" (within frame)

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The Snow White Soiree...

The Poison Apple itinerary continued onto Stage 17 where servers came 'round with trays of food items, seven different hors d'ouevres in all, one for each of the dwarfs, plus drinks and dessert too. The servings were bite-sized but the portions kept coming so everyone got their fill. This was scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm, but things got started a little late.

 Napkins image via Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page.

During this time, guests had the chance to get their photo taken with either Snow White or the Evil Queen.

Image via tripodjw.

And next to the stage, artist Noah was creating a painting of the Evil Queen. On the right of the canvas was the Magic Mirror which, when seen under black light, revealed the image of Snow White.

Image copyright kathyjO via Mouse Guest Message Boards.

Image courtesy of Daveland.

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Panel Discussion...

Traffic problems for some of the special guests caused another delay, but once they'd all arrived, the Soiree was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by producer Don Hahn (Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Waking Sleeping Beauty). The panelists included Roy E. Disney, Marge Champion, Glen Keane, John Lasseter, Leonard Maltin, and Lella Smith (Creative Director of the Animation Research Library). Each person was escorted to the stage by one of the Dwarfs.

In the audience were both Alice Davis and Kim Justice, wives to Disney Legends Marc Davis and Bill Justice.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, a Disney cast member sang "Someday My Prince Will Come" while Snow White and the Prince did their dance on stage. Cindy from Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page shot this hand-held video of the performance.

All Panel Discussion images via tripodjw.

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The Art Exhibit...

Attendees who purchased the Poison Apple package were next invited over to the Animation Building for a first look at the "Fairest One of All" exhibit. Out in front was a miniature version of the Dwarfs' cottage which would serve as a backdrop for Snow White photo opportunities throughout the run of the exhibition.

See an earlier post featuring more of these Snow White shots by photographer Britt Dietz.

It's interesting to note that this same cottage background was brought out at DCA again in October of 2009 in celebration of the Diamond Edition Blu-ray release of the film.

Dwarf Cottage image via Loren Javier. Creative Commons License.

Inside the Animation Building, a collection of more than 100 pieces of original animation art was on display within the main room and still more stunning images ran on the overhead screens. Curated by Lella Smith, the exhibit featured storyboards, concept art, layouts, and backgrounds from the film. Guests also had a chance to view cels but due to the delicate nature of the originals, those on display were reproductions.

Exhibit images copyright armadillo444. Creative Commons License.

Additional Exhibit images via micechat.

Here's a high speed video tour into the Animation Building...

Video posted by The Disneyland Gazette.

The exhibit would open to the general public the following day. Next door in the Off the Page store, they were ready with loads of Snow White merchandise.

Image via MiceChat.

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The Screening...

For the finale to the day, guests headed over to the Hyperion Theater for the screening of the film. Apparently, there was a bit of a mix up and not nearly enough reserved seating was set aside for those who had purchased the Poison Apple package. Yet, everyone got a seat, and soon John Lasseter marched out on stage along with Snow White, the Prince, and the Dwarfs. As he introduced the film, several of the Dwarfs did funny antics behind him.

Film Screening Sign image via Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page.

Theater images copyright kathyjO via Mouse Guest Message Boards.

At the conclusion to the evening (and for those who managed to hang onto their Commemorative Keepsake Voucher), guests were handed a large envelope. Inside was a beautiful replica program from the 1937 Carthay Circle Theatre premiere. We'll have a look at it in an upcoming post.

For the Snow White enthusiast, the event offered plenty to choose from. Limited edition commemorative gifts and merchandise, a chance to meet and talk with Snow White artists, themed food, Marge Champion, Alice Davis and Roy E. Disney all sharing their own Snow White memories, an exhibit of original animation artwork, and a big-screen showing of the film inside a Disney theme park...maybe not a perfect day, but certainly not a bad way to celebrate the 70th year milestone.

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Further reading...

• Daveland--Read Dave's account of the evening and be sure to check out his dynamic photos from the night's events.

• LaughingPlace--Ken Pellman shares his experience of the event and more pics.

• Cindy's Disneyland Resort Page--Cindy writes a detailed firsthand account with plenty of photos from the entire day.

• AllEars--Some more great pics from Laura and Jeanine.

• Walt Disney Event Services--The original itinerary website for the DCA Snow White event.

"An Art in Its Making" - Museum Booklet

This guidebook from Stephen Ison's Snow White animation art exhibition is quite nice. Steve's collection was on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from December 4, 1994 to February 5, 1995. It proved to be the most successful program in the museum's history. With a wealth of black-and-white images, detailed sidebars, and historical information, this booklet made for a great take-home souvenir for the attendees of the exhibit. Measures 12" x 8".

Animation history, the exhibition, and how Walt Disney came to produce Snow White...

Focus on the Dwarfs and the techniques of animation...

The debut of the film plus Steve Ison on his collection...

Snow White trivia...

More Snow White trivia and the world of animation beyond Disney...

Create your own animation plus other animation-related programs at the museum...

Back cover trivia answers...

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And here's the Public Programs booklet from the IMA (Winter 1995). Among the featured activities at the museum were tours of the Steve Ison exhibit, Snow White talks by author Martin Krause, animation demonstrations, a festival of animated film shorts, a luncheon with Snow White (with special SW fare and a tour of the exhibit) and more. Booklet measures 8" x 6".

All images generously made available through the Dan Alexander Collection. Used with permission. Read Dan's Dizmentia post about his 1994 visit to this Snow White exhibit.

Interview with Collector Stephen Ison

It was on a trip to Walt Disney World back in 1973 that a young college kid named Stephen Ison saw his first piece of animation art. Decades later, he would become the owner of the largest collection on the planet of original animation art from Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In 1994, Steve's passion would give rise to Snow White...An Art in Its Making, both a museum exhibit and a hardcover book which featured his collection.

In the Fall 1993 issue of Disney News magazine (p. 55-56) an article appeared entitled A Suitor for Snow White or... Memoirs of a Devoted Collector.  It was written by and about Steve and his "hobby".

A Suitor for Snow White... Magazine image scans courtesy of the Dan Alexander Collection.
See his blog at Dan Alexander Dizmentia.

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Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to correspond with Steve via email. I asked him how he got started collecting, where he acquired his pieces, and what's become of the artwork today. Here's what he had to say...

Filmic Light: Who are you Steve and how did you come to be a collector of animation art?

Stephen Ison: Like most kids growing up in the 50s, I watched The Mickey Mouse Club and was always fascinated by Roy Williams (The Big Mouseketeer) whenever he would draw the various characters on the show. That’s what got me interested in drawing and my earliest exposure to all things Disney. As a kid, I was also bitten by the collector bug...baseball cards, stamps, coins, and other assorted “stuff”. I’ve always been a collector of something. I saw my first piece of animation art in 1973 at Walt Disney World and was shocked that you could actually own a piece of art used in a Disney film! Well, the price of the cel was the same as my monthly car payment...so, as a poor college kid, I had to pass, but that’s what planted the seed. I knew someday, if I ever could afford it, I’d start a collection of Disney animation art. It really was that simple. Many years later...after attending an auction of Disney animation art in New York, I started down a road to what would become more than just a hobby.

FL: How did you find this animation art? And where/who did get it from?

SI: When I first started, I found art in the usual places...auctions, antique toy shows, and Disneyana conventions. Later, I became as interested in meeting and knowing many of the artists who worked on the classic Disney films as collecting myself. That’s what kept me motivated to learn more and acquire (preserve) more vintage pieces. Many of my pieces came from the artists themselves.

FL: Why Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

SI: When you have the “collector bug”, you have a tendency to “want it all”, so to speak. Well, animation art began to get popular, that I felt I had to make a compromise.  Which film was my favorite in style and quality?  Which one was the first?  Which one did Walt Disney put his heart and soul into?  Snow White.

FL: What did the collection consist of, how large, what forms of art, favorite pieces?

SI: By the time I had been collecting only from Snow White, I believe I had around 700 plus pieces. Those pieces consisted of master backgrounds, concept art, cels, drawings, studio notes, character models, and various other items associated with the film.  My favorite piece...that’s a hard one...guess it would have to be a panorama master watercolor background of the exterior of the Dwarfs cottage by Sam Armstrong. The Disney Art program ended up creating a limited edition of the piece.

FL: Since most drawings, paintings and cels from Snow White were not signed, did you know who the actual artists were for your pieces?

SI: I was always able to identify most of the drawings, concept art, and backgrounds since I got to know most of the artists who were still around while I was seriously collecting. I don’t think any of them are around anymore. It was an honor and a privilege to know many of them and be able to call them “friend”. I’d have to say one of my best friends in world was Maurice Noble; a background painter on Snow White, who later worked at Warner Brothers with Chuck Jones on hundreds of the classic shorts in the late 40s and 50s. He was one of the most talented and creative people I’ve ever know. He taught me about the classic animation process. I miss him.

FL: How did you house your collection and where is it today?

SI: As my collection grew, I had to learn how to preserve the art. I consulted with the Indianapolis Museum of Art about preservation and conservation, and designed a home gallery that was built to actual museum specs...and, OK...I understand this is a bit much...but, it was designed to look like the interior of the Dwarfs cottage! Yeah, I know... I actually did this three times over a 20 plus year time span, but finally decided my Snow White days should/would come to an end when I retired and built a home in the mountains of North Carolina...not a location conducive to “home galleries”. That was about the time I was approached by Disney Feature Films to see if I’d be interested in letting Snow White come back home to where she started. Today, my collection is under the watchful and protective eye of The Disney Animation Research Library in Los Angeles. A decision I’ve never regretted.

Photos of Steve's home gallery when it housed the Snow White collection:

Home Gallery images courtesy of Stephen Ison.

FL: Has your "hobby" of collecting Snow White cels opened doors for you? That is, have you met many other SW collectors? Other people associated with the making of the film or other later Disney personalities? Any anecdotal stories you'd like to share?

SI: Yes, many wonderful doors have opened, as a result of collecting from Snow White...exhibitions throughout the world, books, lectures, lifetime friendships... One of my favorite memories is the night I received a phone call from a woman who said her name was Diane Disney Miller, that she had read the forward of my Snow White book and it made her cry. She then asked if she could come to my exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art...that person, of course, was Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane. She has always been so supportive. What an honor. That was the ultimate for me at the time. Recently, Diane asked me to curate an exhibit of Snow White animation art for the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. A must see. An amazing facility and tribute to her father. It opens December 2012 in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the release of Snow White.  We’re pulling Snow White art from every source I’ve ever known for the last 25 years. It will be an extensive exhibit.

FL: Have you seen other Snow White collections? When you're with other similar collectors, what's the conversation like?

SI: As far as I know, there are, nor ever were, any serious collectors of “Snow White only” animation art. Most of the high-end collectors had art from all of the classic Disney films. That was always tough for me, and at times, took a lot of discipline for me not to do the same. I really loved it all.

FL: Are you collecting today?

SI: Well, once bitten, as they say. Yes, I’m still picking up choice pieces, but not just from one film. I especially enjoy concept art from Fantasia. Some of those pieces are amazing and are truly works of art.

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The Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: An Art in Its Making exhibition ran for two months at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, from December 4, 1994 until February 5, 1995. A newspaper article dated December 18, 1994 in the Louisville Courier-Journal highlights Steve and his museum exhibit.

Newspaper images courtesy of the Dan Alexander Collection. Used with permission. 

Read Dan's Dizmentia post about his 1994 visit to this Snow White exhibit.

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A couple photos from the IMA exhibit:

Exhibit images courtesy of Stephen Ison.

FL: How did the An Art in Its Making exhibit come about at the Indianapolis Museum of Art?

SI: It took me about four years to convince the Indianapolis Museum of Art to sponsor an exhibit of art from Snow White. Many people at the museum didn’t consider it art. In the end, it broke all attendance records for the museum’s 150 year history! Take that nay sayers!

FL: Was it your entire Snow White collection?

SI: Yes. However, after the exhibition, my collection almost tripled in size over the next 12 years.

FL: Did you attend the opening?

SI: Yes. We also flew out several of the original artists who worked on Snow White...Joe Grant, Marc Davis, Ken O’Connor, Ward Kimball, Betty Kimball, Maurice Noble, and Bill Justice. Great weekend. People lined up for hours to meet them and have books signed.

Signing books at the museum event, from left to right, Betty Kimball, Ward Kimball, Marc Davis, and Joe Grant:

Now from right to left, Ken O’Connor, Maurice Noble, Joe Grant, Marc Davis:

Book Signing images courtesy of Stephen Ison.

FL: Finally, any special memory or anecdote from the event?

SI: To see these people honored in this way was one of the most satisfying events I’ve ever witnessed. And, to see so many people respond to these wonderful pieces of art was the true pay off of years of collecting. Also, personally touring groups of young school children and watching them react as they learned and asked “real” questions.

 

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I, for one, can't wait to see the Snow White art exhibit Steve is curating for the Walt Disney Family Museum. Hopefully we'll get more details on it as we get closer to its opening in December 2012. In the upcoming posts, we'll have a look at the 1994 book featuring Steve's collection as well as the guide booklet from the IMA exhibit.