Your Guide To the Free Seminars at This Year’s Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Here at MickeyBlog, one of our favorite things about Epcot’s annual Festival of the Arts it the opportunity guests have to connect with your inner artist through the festival’s complimentary seminars.
Each daily half-hour session gives Festival Guests a unique opportunity to gain an enhanced skillset or develop a new understanding of artistic techniques. These free offerings (to anyone with a valid Epcot ticket) include an eclectic array of topics from floral crown creation to painting and photograph to upcycling props.
2019 Seminars
Traveling between January 18 – February 25, 2019? Be sure to add one or more of these unique and fun artistic adventures to your Walt Disney World visit. Here’s a look at the incredible offerings you’ll find each day!
One Little Spark: Finding the Figment Inside of YOU! – Friday, January 18, 2019 –Jason “Tiki” Tackett, Digital Artist and Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member takes you through how daily sparks of imagination can create connections to life’s most magical moments in the form of your very own “figments.”
Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World-Saturday, January 19, 2019 –Join author Jeff Kurtti as he discusses his new book, which features rare and never-before-published photographs along with eyewitness recollections and anecdotes detailing Walt’s frequent excursions around the globe.
The Art of Disney Merchandise- Sunday, January 20, 2019- Fabiola Garza and Richard Terpstra from Walt Disney Imagineering Merchandise provide you with a firsthand look at how character artists and designers collaborate to create magical merchandise for Disney Parks.
Photography 101: Shooting Spectacular Fireworks – Monday, January 21, 2019 – Glean tips and tricks from Jeff Nickel of Disney Photo Imaging on capturing the sparkles and splendor of fireworks—plus get recommendations on gear required to take shots with a bang!
The Art of Pixelating -Tuesday, January 22, 2019 –Lori Mangione from Silly Rabbit Crafts teaches you how plastic craft beads can be used to create complete pieces of art with a nostalgic 8-bit twist!
Fundamentals of the Art of Audio-Animatronics Animation – Wednesday, January 23, 2019- Join Doug Griffith, Walt Disney Imagineer for this behind-the-scenes look at making Disney’s Audio-Animatronics figures come to life.
The Art of Cosmetology Presented by Guerlain – Thursday, January 24, 2019 – Put your best face forward with a crash course in the latest cosmetology, skin care and fragrance trends as well as classic and up-to-the-minute application techniques for Guerlain.
Guerlain Ambassadors
Eat Like Walt – Friday, January 25, 2019 – Learn the art of entertaining and hosting a vintage Disneyland dinner party—from Disney home and family-table traditions to incorporating menus from Walt’s favorite restaurants throughout the 50s and 60s. This workshop will be hosted by Marcy Smothers, Author of Eat Like Walt.
The Music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer- Saturday, January 26, 2019 – Charles Griffin, Founder, Central Florida Composers Forum hosts this seminar comparing the nature of each composer’s individual genius in writing for film—from The Lion King and Star Wars to Interstellar and the Indiana Jones films.
Watermelon Carving-Sunday, January 27, 2019- Stephanie Barlow from the National Watermelon Promotion Board teaches you how to artfully carve watermelons for your next party!
Hobby Rockers – Monday, January 28, 2019 – Dave and Beth Librande of Dave & Beth’s Hobby Rockers Discover the art of crafting animal rockers from wood.
The Art of Cosmetology- Tuesday, January 29, 2019-Receive an introduction into cosmetology, skin care and fragrances as well as classic and trendy application techniques from Givenchy.
What Does It Take to Get the Right Shot? – Wednesday, January 30, 2019 – Simone Amaduzzi of Simone Amaduzzi Photography teaches you master tips and tricks on getting great shots.
Disney Character Art from Film and Theme Parks- Thursday, January 31, 2019 – Sit in on a fascinating talk as a Disney animator and concept artist explain how characters are created and brought to life for film and Disney parks. This seminar is presented by Disney Parks Live Entertainment
It’s All in the Details: The Art of the Prop and Its Role in the Story- Friday, February 1, 2019- Examine the design process behind set decorating and how props help tell the overall story of popular theme park attractions with Kristen Zeigler, Set Decorator with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Upcycling for Theater – Saturday, February 2, 2019 – Explore prop master techniques used to transform discarded objects, everyday items and décor into chic accents, ancient treasures and everything in-between with Local Artist Javon Harkless.
Disney Store Design – Sunday, February 3, 2019 – Becky Browne Allen and Ashley Provenzano of Walt Disney take you through incorporating the science of store planning with the art of retail design to produce world-class stores.
It’s All in the Details: The Art of the Prop and Its Role in the Story – Monday, February 4, 2019 – Examine the design process behind set decorating and how props help tell the overall story of popular theme park attractions with Kristen Zeigler a Set Decorator with Walt Disney Imagineering.
The Artistry of June Kim – Tuesday, February 5, 2019 –Listen to the story surrounding WonderGround Gallery Artist Eunjung (June) Kim’s artistic journey, her experience making games at Disney Interactive Studios, and how animation and design influenced her art.
Journey into Dance- Wednesday, February 6, 2019 -Discover basic dance techniques, what it takes to be a professional dancer and the process of orchestrating a ballet production from Shane Jewell and Robert Hill at the Orlando Ballet.
What Does It Take to Get the Right Shot?- Thursday, February 7, 2019 – Simone Amaduzzi of Simone Amaduzzi Photography shares master tips and tricks on getting great shots from an international photographer.
Fold, Cut, Repeat: The Art and Engineering of a Pop-Up Book – Friday, February 8, 2019 – Delve into the author’s process of writing and creating gravity-defying pop-up books with Author Matthew Reinhart. You’ll also learn how to turn ideas into reality with simple paper engineering techniques.
Upcycling for Everyday Use- Saturday, February 9, 2019- Local Artist Jovon Harkless will teach you how to unlock your creative potential for interior decorating by transforming bargain-store finds into home décor treasures.
Disney Store Design- Sunday, February 10, 2019 – Watch how Beck Brown Allen and Ashely Provenzano incorporate the science of store planning with the art of retail design to produce world-class stores.
Stories from a National Parks Painter – Monday, February 11, 2019 – View work from National Park Artist-in-Residence Patricia Cummins various National Park Residencies and hear the stories behind her experiences.
One Little Spark: Finding the Figment Inside of YOU! –Tuesday, February 12, 2019 – Join Jason “Tiki” Tackett, Digitial Artist and Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member to see how daily sparks of imagination can create connections to life’s most magical moments in the form of your very own “figments.”
Geisha: Artists of the Floating World – Wednesday, February 13, 2019 – Enter the world of traditional Japanese arts with Emily Murphy from Maneki Geiko and learn kimono, hair and makeup techniques used by geishas.
Remember Who You Are – Thursday, February 14, 2019 – Hear Disney traditional animators from the original blockbuster The Lion King reflect on creating the film as well as life at Walt Disney Feature Animation.
Watermelon Carving – Friday, February 15, 2019 – Stephanie Barlow from the National Watermelon Promotion Board will teach you how to artfully carve watermelons for your next party!
The Music of Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino – Saturday, February 16, 2019 – Look into the craft of writing pop music and film scores from the composers behind Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Up and The Incredibles. This seminar is hosted by Charles Griffin, Founder of the Central Florida Composers Forum.
So You Want to be a Disney Artist – Sunday, February 17, 2019 – Attend this informative Q&A session for a better understanding of what’s required to become a professional Disney artist. Presented by Disney Parks Live Entertainment
3D Storytelling at Walt Disney World – Monday, February 18, 2019 – Join Steve Probus, Set Decorator from Walt Disney Imagineering for this sneak a peek into how props and decorating help convey stories at our theme parks as well as where the designers find inspiration.
The Art of the Disney Topiary – Tuesday, February 19, 2019- Acquire knowledge from Debbie Mola-Mickler, Area Manager at Disney Horticulture on the art and history of Disney topiaries as well as their importance in creating fantasies.
Fundamentals of the Art of Audio-Animatronics Animation- Wednesday, February 20, 2019-Get a behind-the-scenes look at making Disney’s Audio-Animatronics figures come to life from Walt Disney Imagineer Doug Griffith.
The Art of Figment: Discovering Sparks of Inspiration -Thursday, February 21, 2019 – Score a behind-the-scenes look at the art, legacy and inspiration behind the imaginative Epcot character Figment, with rarely-seen concept artwork and photography. This event will be hosted by Jason Grandt and Steven Vagning from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Watch Disney Characters Come to Life with Animator John Pomeroy – Friday, February 22, 2019 – Watch Disney Animator and Story Artist John Pomeroy demonstrate how he’s drawn some of his favorite Disney characters over the years—including Winnie-the-Pooh, Elliott from Pete’s Dragon, Penny from The Rescuers, Captain John Smith from Pocahontas, Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell and others.
Seeing Sound and Painting Music – Saturday, February 23, 2019-Christina Eve from Christina Eve Art will share how the artist translates music into visual art so others can see the beauty of sound.
The Art of Disney Fonts, Lettering & Signage- Sunday, February 24, 2019 -Understand how fonts, lettering and signage tell stories throughout Disney Parks and Resorts; then test your knowledge with the ultimate attraction sign quiz in this special offering by Richard Terpstra, Graphic Designer at Disney Design Group.
Floral Crowns – Monday, February 25, 2019- Learn floral crown basics and design a small piece to take home from Melissa Beck at Alice’s Table.
Complimentary Seminar Details
- Valid Epcot theme park admission is required to attend the Festival of the Arts Seminars
- All of the events listed above take place at the Odyssey Festival Showplace
- All seminars are held from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- No advanced booking—same-day availability is limited to a first-come, first served basis
So what are you waiting for? Check out the Epcot International Festival of the Arts by planning your next Disney getaway. Fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
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