New Orleans Artist Celebrates Tiana’s Bayou Adventure During World Princess Week
Disney Parks Blog recently took a trip to New Orleans for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! During this visit, Disney Parks Blog focused on a local artist whose designs are inspiring Imagineers.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2024. This new attraction will be replacing the iconic Splash Mountain attraction.
Credit: Disney
Disney has always researched each project thoroughly by immersing themselves in the environment of each story they are telling.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is no different. Imagineers have interviewed and worked with local artists, musicians and academics.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
When the Imagineering team first started looking for local inspiration, they came across the artwork of Sharika Mahdi through the YAYA (Young Aspirations Young Artists) program. When talking about the inspiration behind her artwork, Sharika had this to say,
“Making a big deal about everything and celebrating everything. I want to show this is what it’s about, being a part of New Orleans and being apart of the culture.”
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Disney Imagineers have commissioned Sharika to make artwork for the project. Here we take a look at second commissioned piece which is a jazz scene featuring an ensemble of frogs and an audience of fireflies on a beautiful night in the Bayou.
Sharika feels that she has a personal connection with Disney’s Princess Tiana. Princess Tiana was able to reach so many people with her talented culinary skills.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Sharika also hopes to reach and inspire more people through her art.
Disney Imagineers believe that Sharika will be able to inspire future Disney Park guests when Tiana’s Bayou Adventures opens in 2024.
Are you as excited as I am to see this new attraction come to fruition?
