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A collection of painted fans can be found framed and hanging on a wall inside the Hall of Champions (now a part of the Emporium). Each fan contains a scene of a woman engaged in a particular athletic activity. I would have to say my personal favorite would be the hunting design. There is just something about the image of a woman in a long skirt aiming a rifle. My how times have changed!
In response to my last post, George (Biblioadonis, of The Disney Geeks) requested some photos of the Public Library on the Streets of America. Much to my dismay, when I went back to take some detailed shots, I found that the Osborne Lights team had beaten me to the punch. The Year of a Million Refurb walls has claimed another victim, and the area is currently walled off to allow for the installation of the large light tree and rotating globe. So I wanted to take this opportunity to apologize to George for a slightly abbreviated exploration of this area.
The Public Library is located in The Plymouth building, which, to the best of my knowledge, is a fictious location. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong!
The architectural style features characteristics similar to that of Beaux-Arts or Greek Revival, with heavy stone arches, relief carvings, and statues.
Interestingly, this is not the only Library found on the Streets of America - another one can be found in the false facade at the end of the street.
Walking down the Streets of America, you will find a vast amount of details in the building windows. The fire escapes are also particularly intricate, including this one that can be found down the little dead end road across from the Public Library.
There are two patio chairs suitable for sitting outside and watching the world go by, and an especially fun detail of a potted plant complete with its own spray bottle.(And yes, even though it is only September, it's never too early to celebrate Christmas on the Streets of America!)
Walt Disney's "Gayest Musical Technicolor Feature," Saludos Amigos, is the subject of a delightful puzzle that can be found framed and hanging on the wall in the Carthay Circle Theatre shop on Sunset Boulevard. The image depicts Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, El Gaucho Goofy, a resident of Lake Titicaca, and a Samba dancer similar to the woman feature on the movie poster. Noticeably absent is Pedro the Plane.
The puzzle itself is interesting for some of the pieces are unique in shape: forming the likes of such things as a bottle, a donkey, a cowboy boot, and an elephant (what the elephant has to do with Latin America is beyond me!). Normally when a puzzle is completed and framed, it is done so in its entirety, so as to create the illusion of a complete image. Yet in this instance, some of the pieces are deliberately omitted, as if capturing a moment in time, and leaving no doubt as to the true nature of this wall hanging.
This helpful calendar can be found on the bulletin board outside the Bat Room of the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia. Make sure you refer to it when making plans to visit the Anandapur Royal Forest, and always plan to visit on a Saturday!
As you walk across the bridge from the United Kingdom into France, take a look down near the water. The scene of a relaxing day near the river is perfectly captured in time, with fishing poles still arched over the water, bicycles propped up against the wall, and a painting in the midst of being completed.
The painting itself is of particular interest, as it is done in the style of the famous Impressionist period, made famous by the likes of Monet, Renoir, and many other talented artists. The style featured short, quick brushstrokes that were used to capture the fleeting quality of time rather than realistic details.But before I let the Art History major in me really go all out, the painting's subject is really worth noting. It is of the World Traveler building in the International Gateway. I usually never give a second thought to that area - it's just one more gift shop on the way out of the park. Yet in viewing this painting, I was suddenly struck by its architecture. It perfectly blends aspects of its neighboring countries, France and the United Kingdom, to create a seamless transistion (much like the use of lightpoles or the infamous trashcans, but to a larger scale). In choosing this building as the subject for an Impressionist's painting, it directly connects the two areas even further to help intuitively link them.
How often do you see a piece of artwork that you are actually invited to touch? While most of the beautiful pieces that fill Animal Kingdom Lodge are for display only, there is one particular item that allows guests to become personally involved with the traditions of an African culture.
This intricately carved wooden door is from the Nupe tribe located in Nigeria. They are traditionally Muslim, so their artwork primarily consists of abstract designs. To be able to not only view, but actually touch, a piece like this that is filled with identifiable items such as birds, drinking vessels, lizards, and an airplane is a wonderful experience.The next time you find yourself at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, please make sure to touch this door on your way out to not only ensure a safe journey, but also embrace a unique culture.
