One Little Spark: Exploring the International Festival of the Arts (Part 2)

Whether or not your favorite artist is Leonardo Da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, Johannes Vermeer, or Andy Warhol, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts has something for everyone. Last week, we explored some of the more whimsical things to do at the festival. This week we’ll take a look at a few more of the fine art activities available, some of which allow you to explore your own artistic talent!. Just remember, in the words of the immortal Bob Ross, “We don’t mistakes, just happy little accidents.”

1. Paint With A Disney Artist

For $259 dollars, you can learn how to paint, getting your instructions from a bona fide Disney artist. There’s a minimum age of 12 to participate. Classes take place on Fridays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Space is limited and the last class is February 17. Breakfast is provided.

2. Workshops

There are a variety of workshops available during the festival. They take place Friday through Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and cost $39 a session. You can learn how to make bouquets of flowers out of park maps, make your own Ink & Paint cel, study floral design, learn the principles of animation, and more! A complete list of classes and dates are on the official Walt Disney World web page.

3. Disney on Broadway

Brilliant, memorable music is part of the Disney legacy. The company is responsible for some of the greatest musicals ever to grace the Broadway stage, with shows like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and Aladdin. During Festival of the Arts, you can hear Disney on Broadway stars perform all of the music you love. Shows take place seven days a week at the America Gardens Theatre, with showtimes at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Performers include Kissy Simmons, Alton Fitzgerald White, Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, and others.

4. Seminars

In addition to the paid classes and workshops, Guests of the Festival of the Arts can take in complimentary seminars designed to bring out your inner artist. The seminars take place at the Odyssey Festival Showplace from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Classes occur daily and include “One Little Spark: Finding the Figment Inside of YOU!” a class designed to show you how, “ daily sparks of imagination can create connections to life’s most magical moments…”, “Geisha: Artists of the Floating World,” which introduces Guests to traditional Japanese Arts, a seminar exploring the music of Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino, “Fundamentals of the Art of Audio-Animatronics Animation”, and many more. A complete list can be found on the park’s web page.

5. Peruse The Art

Over 100 artists will have their work on display throughout Epcot. Among the galleries to be explored are the Disney Artist Gallery, James Coleman Studios, the POP Gallery, and Thomas Kinkade Studios. You can also take in the work of artisans like Vincent Nthuli Mutisya, resident wood carver at the African Heritage kiosk, and the bead work of Ann Nzambi Simmons, Purity Kamembe and Anna Mutiso.

Next week we’ll wrap up our mini-tour of the International Festival of the Arts with a look at the culinary arts on display. Be sure to bring your appetite!