The evening started
with our normal run up the peninsula from San Jose to San Francisco, only this
time it was during the evening commute.
Luckily, I had my lovely wife with me, so through use of the commute
lane, our journey was greatly expedited.
So, our arrival at the Museum was about 40 minutes earlier than I
expected. As we walked up to the Museum,
people were already lining up at the front door. I know that Disney fans tend to be early for
events, given the day and time of the event, I was a bit surprised until I
learned from one of my favorite volunteers (Trish) explained that the people in
line now were other VIPs going in earlier than the others who had RSVP’d. I was surprised because after providing my RSVP,
there was no further communications regarding this event or its associated
activities, even after being informed that such communications was forthcoming.
One of my grievances,
since the new CEO has taken charge, over the last few months has been a
quantity and quality of member communications coming from the Museum. Ms. Calicchio, this really needs to be
address, as I am not the only one concerned about this issue.
The reception: Shortly after the VIP’s were ushered into the
event, Membership Coordinator – Pam Spedus (a woman of inestimable value to the
Museum staff) came out to usher the half dozen or so Founding/Friends Member
who had arrived early.
While I always look
forward to seeing all the friends I have made through the Walt Disney Family
Museum, there was one person, I knew she would be present, who I was anxious to
see, as I had promised her a great big hug the next time I saw her. So, while I may have appeared somewhat
distant to many others, I walked through the crowd, scanning for Sheri. You see, she is the person responsible for my
recent visit to Club 33 (post for that coming soon), and I will never be able
to thank her enough for her generosity.
After a few minutes of scanning the rooms, and a query of one of the volunteers,
I spotted her, and that great big hug was delivered. Note to self:
self don’t wait soon long to say thank you in the future. My night could have been considered complete
at this point, with the exception of visiting the Special Exhibition building
and Snow White, but, it got even better.
While working the room (actually I wasn’t, but it probably looked that
way to some) and visiting with other people I’ve met of the last few years, I came
upon Disney Legend and recent Window on Main Street recipient, Alice Davis having a
conversation with another person. I’d
seen her enter the building early, but did not get a chance to say Hi, and tell
her what a fan I was of hers and Marc’s work.
I’ve been a big fan of Alice’s, and her husband, Disney
Legend Marc Davis, for a number of years.
Her husband Marc brought my favorite crush to life – one Ms. Tinker
Bell. Alice created, with Mary Blair,
the costumes for “It’s A Small World” and later “Pirates of the Caribbean.” I’m not the type to interrupt someone while
they are talking, so, I figured I hang in the group around her for a moment to
see if I could get a chance to just say hello.
While I was standing there, I noticed a gentleman over my shoulder, who
I’ve been trying to meet for three years, and one of the Co-founders of the Museum,
Walt Elias Disney Miller – Walt Disney’s Grandson. He too, was talking to someone else, so there
I was waiting between two people I admire waiting to the chance to say hi to
either, when from behind me Diane Disney Miller comes into view. So, I said hi to her! Just about then some nice gentleman behind me
shepherded me before Alice, telling her that he thought I was waiting to speak
with her. Thank you kind stranger,
whoever you were… I not only got to say
hi, but we talked for about 5 minutes. As
I was reaching to shake her hand before moving on she said, “Come here. You need a hug.” Then proceeded to give me one wonderful
hug! What a sweet woman! Next, I was able to get a few minutes with
Walter. I also got to see Ron Miller and
daughters, Tammy and Joanna again as well.
So, I haven’t even made to the Exhibit that this night was all about,
and evening is a completely awesome day in my life.
It’s now time to
head over to the Special Exhibition Building and the ”Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic” exhibit.
Low and behold, as we are walking down the sidewalk, who is coming up
the sidewalk toward us? None other than John Lasseter! Wow… aren’t I clever, “Hey you’re John
Lasseter!” But, he stopped and shook my
hand anyway. On to the exhibit… If you
get to do one thing in San Francisco between now and April 14th, this
exhibit is it! There are two floors of
concept art, film cells, live action modeling, and other production documents,
paintings and information related to the making of Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs, broken out into about 10 mini galleries. This exhibition is a small but spectacular compilation
of the effort, art, and talent that went into creating this animation classic. To
add even more joy to this experience, I met and talked with animator, artist,
and future Disney Legend Andreas
Deja, a key contributor to the animated features of Disney’s second golden
age of animation. If you are even a passing Disney fan, you will
enjoy this experience. You may remember
my recent piece about my experience at Disney’s Animation Research Library in
Glendale, and my comment to one of the managers there, about my emotional
response to my visit. I was overcome
with similar emotions during my tour of this exhibit. Which should really be much of a surprise, as
the ARL was a key partner with the Museum staff in bringing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:
The Creation of a Classic to life.
Because of my
emotional reaction, any real descriptive attempt would pail in comparison. But, since I have my own young artist in my
house, I will be making other visits to this exhibit over the next few
months. So, I will attempt a more
effusive piece in the near future. But,
for now, that was my Tuesday night, and a marvelous night it was…
Your comments or questions
are always welcome. If you have a
correction or something you think I should look at in my research, please feel
free to contact me at mr.grumpyguy@gmail.com
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