Here’s your first look at some of the new “Good vs. Evil” artwork debuting at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District over the coming weeks.

The first two images are by this month’s WonderGround Gallery artist in residence, Jeff Granito, and feature Cinderella in Magical Makeover and Tiana in Blooms of the Bayou. If you are an avid collector, then make your way down, as the one-of-a-kinds are available now. Look for special hand embellishments on the one-of-a-kind images that will surely take your breath away. If you are looking to display this image in a more subtle way, then I’d recommend the deluxe print version. Note: Meet Jeff Granito every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April from 5–9 p.m.

Available later this month will be three pieces by artist J. Scott Campbell, including Her Wonderland featuring Alice and the Queen of Hearts, Her Hair featuring Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, along with Her Slipper featuring Cinderella, Lady Tremaine and of course, her stepsisters. Be sure to check them out when they make their way onto the store walls in the coming weeks.

One-of-a-kind, original and limited edition giclee artwork prices will vary, but look for the deluxe print version of all of these pieces to retail for $39.95.

Which one of these can you see in your home?

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

On a weekend when everyone wants to be Irish, Downtown Disney District will invite visitors to join in the spirit with a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Disneyland Resort.

From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, Downtown Disney District will offer special entertainment for St. Patrick’s Day celebrants on the West Side Main Stage and near House of Blues. Many of the Downtown Disney District food locations will have special St. Patrick’s Day offerings on Sunday or throughout the weekend.

And you’ll even be able to create a Lucky Clover Teddy Bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Among the special St. Patrick’s Day menus:

• At Catal, from now through Sunday, guests may order Guinness beer and Irish cheddar dip, potato leek soup, black and tan battered fish and chips, a corned beef on rye open-faced sandwich and whiskey bread pudding. Meanwhile, downstairs at the Uva Bar, entertainment will be provided Saturday and Sunday by an Irish Dulcimer player.
• House of Blues, Friday through Sunday, will offer corned beef & cabbage with roasted red potatoes and green beans, shepherd’s pie, chocolate chip mint ice cream, Pint o’ Green Beer, a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” martini, and a Guinness and Jameson shot special.
• ESPN Zone will also offer green beer, Sunday only, and at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, also Sunday only, there will be corned beef & cabbage with red potatoes, Green Jazz Kitchen Lager, Jorge’s Land Mine (a “green explosion cocktail”) and Irish coffee.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

There’s more “Limited Time Magic” blowing into the Disneyland Resort next week. A special limited-time display of replica costumes and props from “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District today. Items on display will include Glinda’s dress, crown and wand; the cape worn by Oz; and the China Girl character.

These items will only be on display for a limited time, so take the Yellow Brick Road to WonderGround Gallery before a tornado takes them back to Oz! And while you’re there, check out artwork inspired by “Oz The Great and Powerful” from March artist-in-residence Joey Chou! See some of his art and learn more in Michelle’s post here.

And don’t forget to catch a sneak peek of “Oz The Great and Powerful,” now until March 31 in the Muppet*Vision 3D theater at Disney California Adventure park.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, Limited Time Magic

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

For those who are anxiously awaiting the release of “Oz The Great and Powerful,” get in line – but it will have to be behind me! I have to say, I’m rather intrigued to see just how “Oz The Great and Powerful” came to be. On March 9, let WonderGround Gallery transport you to the wonderful Land of Oz, as we celebrate the release of film-inspired artwork created by none other than Joey Chou. If you’re curious as to why Joey’s name sounds familiar, you probably remember some of his recent releases which debuted around “Frankenweenie.”

Here’s your first look at the vibrant new pieces:

I was fortunate to catch up with Joey to find out some of his reasoning behind these distinct and beautiful pieces, and here’s what he had to share. Naturally, we have to start with “The Arrival,” because that’s where it all begins. “I really wanted to capture that rare moment when Oscar first finds himself in the vibrant Land of Oz, as he sets out on a journey that will, no doubt, change the course of his life,” says Joey. “The next piece follows Oscar as he embarks on his travels, ultimately choosing the path to China Town, where he encounters an enchanting China Girl. The final piece takes you inside the Land of Oz amidst its charms. It is in itself great and powerful, so I wanted to create a piece that captured all of the film’s notable characters, as if they were to appear with a bit of magic, out of a hat, truly behind the wizard’s curtain. I’m really excited to see the response to this new film and can only hope that these pieces will inspire Disney fans to take that moment home with them.”

Joey will be on hand for a special appearance and signing on March 9 from 5–7 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. These “Oz The Great and Powerful”-inspired pieces will only be available for a limited time, so don’t miss out. In addition, Joey will lend his artistic talents to our artist in residence program and will appear Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5–9 p.m. throughout the month of March at the same location.

If you wish that you could see these pieces in person, start making plans to visit and be sure to stop by and say hello.

Check out these posts for more about “Oz The Great and Powerful” at Disney Parks:

• Off to See the Wizard: ‘Journey to Oz Balloon Tour’ Visits the Disneyland Resort
• Get a Sneak Peek at ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ at Disney California Adventure Park During ‘Limited Time Magic’
• The Land of Oz Garden Magically Appears at Epcot

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

Grammy winners and Disneyland Resort favorite Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea have been nominated for a 2013 Grammy award for their eighth album, “Oye,” in the category of Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). To celebrate, the full ensemble will appear in the Downtown Disney District on February 5 at 1 p.m. They will share their history, answer questions about their experience and perform a medley of songs from their Grammy-nominated album as well as favorites from their past albums.

Directed and founded by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, the Mariachi Divas are well known in the national and international music scene. With four Grammy nominations, 1 Latin Grammy nomination and 1 Grammy win under their belts, the all-female ensemble have been favorites among Disneyland Resort guests and fans all over the world. Come celebrate with them on Tuesday, February 5!

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

I’ll be changing my name to “Cupid” in February, because I know all of you procrastinators out there are still in search of the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. Here are a few events, artist signings, product releases and more, that are sure to keep you out of the dog house and on everyone’s good list.

Here’s the breakdown of when you need to go and where you’ll need to be.

Disneyland Resort

February 2: Meet miniaturist Robert Olszewski from 9–11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park as we celebrate the release of the Main Street Electrical Parade “To Honor America” sculpture.

February 2–3: Artisan M. Andonia is back, with some of the newest releases in her collection. See her from 1–4 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: Be there for the launch of the HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs. Evil Princess Seatbeltbag Collection along with Dana and Melanie Harvey from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: WonderGround Gallery “Kimono Minnie” artist signing with Sean D’Anconia, 3–5 p.m.

February 14–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts with a special appearance by Precious Moments doll maker Linda Rick at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District from noon–10 p.m., each day.

Finally, artist in residence Sean Chao will appear every Friday–Saturday from 5–9 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

Walt Disney World Resort

February 1: Meet Disney Design Group Artist Patty Landing from 5–7 p.m. at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace for the release of the second 2013 Poster Series pin and Vinylmation, as well as the 2013 calendar.

February 9–10: Robert Olszewski is back for the release of “The Plaza Restaurant ~ Plaza Ice Cream Parlor” sculpture, first at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park, February 9 (10 a.m.–noon and 3–5 p.m.) and then February 10 at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace (noon–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.).

February 9–10: Jewelry Designer Petra Azar is making a special appearance at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, both days from 10 a.m.–10 p.m., as we debut Symbols of Love from the Studio Petra Azar collection.

February 9–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts at Once Upon a Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 13–18: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson will be at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, throughout the week during store hours.

February 15–17: Duncan® Yo-Yo Professionals will show you the strings as they perform fun and amazing Yo-Yo tricks at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 19–24: David E. Doss will appear to debut some of his newest works at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

For more information on all of these events and more, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney World Resort

Are you a fan of Disney Princesses? Villains? Or HARVEYS? Consider this new release a triple threat, because if you answered yes to each of those questions, you’re in trouble. On February 9, Disney Theme Park Merchandise and HARVEYS will debut the newest collection called HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs. Evil Princess and Villains Seatbeltbag Collection. As you might have noticed with past releases, we’ve only been able to share some of the artwork appearing on the bag, never the finished product. Well, I have a very special surprise for you, because the team at HARVEYS has given me the ‘okay’ to give you, our Disney and HARVEYS fans, the first look at one of the totes in the collection.

Cool, right? I know you want to see them all – who wouldn’t? I can tell you there are four different styles, but you’re going to have to visit Disney Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort on February 9, to see who else made the cut.

I did, however, get the chance to catch up with our friends at HARVEYS who talked with owner Dana Harvey about the new collection and here’s what he had to say: “Our inspiration for this collection was of course, good vs. evil. As we all know, beneath the surface of any great story there are always two sides, especially when it comes to fairy tales, and that’s what we wanted to capture. For each character we created original, hand-drawn artwork, used whimsical stroke-lines and accented them with soft watercolor tones. It gave the collection an aura of dreaminess, which is extremely different than many of the other lines we create. Each bag tells a story and in a sense is a true work of art. We hope that no matter which side you pick, good vs. evil, princess or villain… that you’ll find your own way to identify with each of these iconic characters, expressed in a way like never before.”

As part of this special release, HARVEYS creators Dana and Melanie Harvey will be returning to Disney Vault 28 for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on February 9. The collection will be available to purchase beginning at shop opening (10 a.m.) on the day of release.

In addition, guests can receive a HARVEYS for Disney Couture canvas tote with any HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs Evil Princess and Villains Seatbeltbag purchase. Limit One (1) per guest, per day. Offer not valid on Seatbeltbag accessories. Available while supplies last.

Curious to know whether they will be available at the Walt Disney World Resort as well? Expect to find them at TrenD and other select locations in the weeks following the initial launch.

It’s bound to be a fairy tale ending for anyone who ends up with one of these new bags. Need I say more… just plan to be there!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District