On Saturday, Phranq and I went down to the WonderGround Gallery at Downtown Disney, to see the latest Disney inspired piece of art by Southern California artist Shag. WonderGround has become one of my favorite places to visit when I venture to Disneyland. Before WonderGround, I never realized Disney supported and promoted independent artists. They feature a growing slate of artists with special events, new works of art and merchandise.
This was our first artist signing at the WonderGround Gallery, so I didn’t know their process of getting art work signed. The signing was from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Phranq and I got to the store around 3:30 and there was a long line of people purchasing the prints. Turns out, the store gives you a numbered voucher with purchase. That number holds your place in line for the signing which allowed us to continue shopping until 5:00. This is a really great and orderly way of doing things. By 4:30 there had to be a least 100 people in line. I think we were in line for an hour while the first batch of collectors unboxed their framed collectables. We did not mind too much. Waiting in a line creates the perfect opportunity to make new friends! We passed the time chatting with two women behind us about the Dapper Day Fall event. I have always wanted to do that! The idea of getting all “dolled up” in pretty, vintage-inspired clothing, with your hair and makeup done to walk around a Disney park sounds like so much fun! But I will save a discussion on Dapper Day for another day…
Shag’s latest work, “Morning in the Magic Kingdom,” is full of bright and vibrant colors. It celebrates iconic attractions from the park’s history. I am partial to Shag’s style of work. I have been in love with the pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s since High School. It’s hard to believe this is the first print I have purchased of his, but I can assure you, I will be purchasing more in the future!
When we finally got to the front of the line everything was a blur. Shag is a really nice guy. He signed my print and even sketched a little Tiki statue on the matting! Had my shy nature not kicked in I would have liked to ask him, “as a child, what was his favorite park ride?” I will make a mental note to have a question prepared for the next artist signing I go to.
After the signing, Phranq and I went over to Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel for a little nosh and a drink. Stay tuned for a post on that little adventure, but until then…
“There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shinin’ at the end of every day, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, and tomorrow’s just a dream away…”