On March 8th, The Walt Disney Family Museum opened a new exhibit that celebrates legendary artist, Glen Keane. I used to live up in the Bay Area, and was a member at the museum for a couple years, and knew I had to get back up there to see this exhibit. Annie, one of our other DAPs contributors, and my friend and roommate, had never been to the museum, and since she is an artist, this was the perfect time for us to go, especially since she bears a resemblance to our favorite mermaid which Glen happened to animate. Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane, highlights his artistic beginnings, his 30+ years with Walt Disney Studios, and work he has done in recent years. Glen even won an Oscar last month for his newest short film, “Dear Basketball,” which has some stills on display. The downstairs lobby of the museum is full of copies of original sketches, as well as a handful of original, non-Disney sketches.
The exhibit itself is in the Theater Gallery, and is full of original pieces from Disney projects that he was a key animator in. There were a couple of Ariel sketches and an ink and paint cel that I wish I could add to my collection that were absolutely breathtaking! Glen worked on a number of Disney films, all of which are highlighted even though the exhibit is fairly small. In the middle of the room are some interactive screens with headphones, so you can hear Glen talk about his research and animation processes while you see it come to life on the screen.
My favorite thing in the exhibit wasn’t a sketch or any concept art, but a book cover from a very old copy of Rapunzel, with a post it note that read: “Glen, I hope you get to work on this one day. -Ollie.” Of course, that note was from famed Disney animator, Ollie Johnston, which means that this was a special project to so many, long before it came to fruition. I got emotional when I saw that, because not only is Tangled my favorite Disney movie after The Little Mermaid, but it was so special to Glen for him to hold on to and later on, bring Rapunzel to life.
Overall, I loved this entire exhibit, as Glen brought to life so many of my favorite Disney characters. This exhibit is included in museum admission, and I highly recommend checking it out! Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane runs at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco until September 3rd.
Starting May 17th in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall, a new exhibit, Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation, will open. That is one you won’t want to miss, so plan your visit to see these two incredible showcases of animators who have greatly influenced Disney history!
Are you visiting the museum in the near future?
Until next time,
Caitlyn
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