In partnership with long-time Walt Disney Animation Studios artist Andreas Deja, the Arlington Museum of Art announced today its Summer exhibition: Disney Art from Private Collections. The exhibition is scheduled to open on Saturday, June 11 and closes on Sunday, September 4, 2022. A private opening reception for AMA members, exhibition sponsors and special guests is planned for June 10.
Starting June 2, you’ll be able to make reservations to view the exhibition for a particular date and time. Click here for ticketing details. AMA members will receive an email by June 3 with information about how to reserve tickets for free.
AMA is the only place in North Texas to see Disney Art from Private Collections.
The only exhibition of its kind in North Texas this year, Disney Art from Private Collections at the Arlington Museum of Art represents over 80 years of creativity and innovation by Disney animation artists, including three of the most talented and prolific Disney Legends: Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Andreas Deja.
Disney Art from Private Collections features original animation sketches and cels, character studies, storyboards, and concept drawings from Disney classics including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938), Fantasia (1941), Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Lion King (1994), Alice in Wonderland (1951), One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), Bambi (1942), The Little Mermaid (1989), Cinderella (1950), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), and more.
An interactive experience
Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art, says that visitors can expect a unique, interactive and immersive experience as they explore the exhibition.
“We want Disney Art from Private Collections to fill visitors with the same kind of joy they feel for their favorite Disney films,” Hightower said. “To create this kind of engaging experience, the museum is borrowing from the techniques animators use when they’re telling a story. Throughout the exhibition, we’ll share backstories, build in elements of surprise, create drama, and give visitors ways to interact, play, and learn.”
Themed events, events and more events
Inspired by the Disney Art from Private Collections exhibition, the Arlington Museum of Art is planning all kinds of programs, events, and activities for children and adults throughout the Summer, including:
Summer Art Camp inspired by the exhibition- A children’s storytime and crafting series co-hosted by the Downtown Arlington Public Library at the AMA
- Figure drawing open sessions for adults
- Interactive exhibit elements plus a pop-up family play room at the museum
- Artist lectures, including UTA senior lecturer and professional animator Benjamin Wagley and Academy Award-winning independent animator and historian, John Canemaker
- A Disney-inspired selection at our gift shop, including unique pieces by local artists
- Guided tours of Disney Art from Private Collections in English and Spanish, plus self-guided tours
- Adult-oriented programming including nostalgia nights and themed drink happy hours in partnership with Hooligan’s Pub
- More promotions and events planned throughout Downtown Arlington
Information about these and more upcoming events can be found on the events page of the AMA’s new website.
Please provide more details about upcoming lectures. My wife and I DO NOT want to attend a children’s activity.
Thank you for your question! The lectures by Benjamin Wagley and John Canemaker are for adult audiences. If his schedule permits, we are also hoping that Andreas Deja can offer a lecture as well. If so, that information will be announced through our Monday enewsletter and social media.