Originally published in The Voice of San Francisco in June 2025
The Walt Disney Family Museum presents a new retrospective of the visionary artist Mary Blair. Her contributions to Disney animation, design and American modern art demonstrates the wide reach of her creativity. As an artist, animator and designer, she shaped the look and feel of several Disney films and Disney’s iconic theme parks.
A Whimsical and Daring Approach to Art
Blair’s versatility spanned multiple mediums including watercolor, pencil and ink, collage, and ceramics. Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic will feature nearly 150 artworks and historical photographs exploring her influential role in shaping the look and feel of many of Disney’s animated films and theme park experiences that we still enjoy today.
Blair became known as a colorist and designer after graduating from the Chouinard Art institute in Los Angeles. Blair began working in film and became a success in a primarily male-dominated field, which was unusual at that time. As a fundamental member of Walt Disney’s production team at The Walt Disney Studios throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s, Blair’s distinct style informed films such as The Three Caballeros (1943) and Saludos Amigos (1945) – inspired by a Disney goodwill tour of South America. Her style left an indelible mark on other classic films including Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Peter Pan (1953). Mary Blair may be best known for her design contributions to the iconic It’s a Small World attraction at Disney Parks. Originally designed for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Small World featured a bold use of color to create the “World”, and its dancing dolls representing various cultures around the globe in a theme of unified humanity. The children were taken from Hallmark notecards designed by Mary Blair for Walt Disney in the 1940’s. Blair also illustrated children’s books including painted images for a series of Little Golden Books.
The Exhibit
As a reimagined return of an exhibit that was a fan favorite in 2014, MAGIC, COLOR, FLAIR: The world of Mary Blair, Mid-Century Magic refreshes topics related to Blair’s career including expanded selections of works highlighting her later collaborations with Walt on theme park and resort installations, attractions, facades and murals. Opaque watercolor on board studies for Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan provide glimpses into the early ideas and concept art that eventually bloomed into completed films. Guests will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into the exhibition experience with hands-on Mary Blair-themed art activities or using their phones to unlock augmented reality interactives.
The Legacy
Posthumously awarded the Disney Legend distinction in 1991, Blair was instrumental in introducing modernism to Walt Disney, and, for nearly 30 years, he touted her unique creative eye and innovative use of color and form to define the Disney aesthetic.
“Mary Blair was a fearless artist, continually exploring color and style throughout her long career. Our hope is that visitors of all ages find inspiration in her trailblazing, vibrant, and enduring work,” says museum Executive Director Kirsten Komoroske. Animator, Imagineer, and Disney Legend Marc Davis- who put Mary’s talents on par with French artist Henri Matisse- recalled, “She brought modern art to Walt in a way that no one else did. He was so excited about her work.”
Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic will be on view in the museum’s Lower Lobby and Theater Galleries through September 7, 2025. Entry to the special exhibition is free with general admission with a suggested donation of $5. More information will be announced on an exclusive screening in the museum’s Theater, which will include a collection of rare film footage and animated film clips to accompany the artwork featured in Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic.