With the new year, the Walt Disney Family Museum is proud to introduce its newest original exhibition, Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane. The exhibit showcases the work of this critical Disney animator. Keane is a talented artist that brought to life some your favorite Disney characters. These characters include Tarzan, Beast, Ariel, Pocahontas, and Rapunzel. The exhibition opens on March 8th, 2018 in the museum’s Theater Gallery. Disney lovers will be able to view it until September 3rd, 2018.

This unique exhibition showcases hand-drawn animation and maquettes of Keane’s most iconic Disney characters, from earlier films, including The Fox and the Hound (1981), to more recent works, including Tangled (2010). Keane’s methodical approach to his work, honed during a 40-year-career that has witnessed profound technological changes in the field of animation, led to a period now recognized as the Disney animation renaissance. Make Believe features images and animation sketches from numerous films, including The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Pocahontas (1995), and Tarzan (1999).

Of special interest, also on view in this exhibition, are Keane’s personal works, many of which emerged from dynamic partnerships. Visitors can get a rare glimpse into Keane’s collaboration with the Paris Opéra (Nephtali), his embracing of innovation and technology with Google on Duet, and his recent 2017 collaboration with Kobe Bryant and legendary composer John Williams on Dear Basketball.

“Glen joined the Studios when Walt’s key team was still at the creative helm. Working under the tutelage of Walt’s master animators Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, and Eric Larson, Glen quickly and adeptly absorbed their wisdom to carry the torch forward and become a pillar of the next generation of creative contributors at the Studios,“ said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of The Walt Disney Family Museum. “We are honored to be able to work with Glen, his family, and his team to showcase this gorgeous, inspiring, and iconic work.”

“When I joined the Disney Studios out of college, I was guided by animators who worked directly with Walt,” said Glen Keane. “Sincerity is the heart of all great animation and is the key to creating characters that the audience will believe in. This is the foundation of Walt Disney Animation. Walt’s legacy has assured the opportunity to create stories that last a lifetime. It’s thrilling for me to connect my work and story back to Walt’s legacy at the museum.”

Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane is organized by The Walt Disney Family Museum and is being presented in the Theater Gallery and Lower Lobby from March 8th through September 3rd, 2018.

Picture Credit: Walt Disney Animation Research Library and Monica Hervey

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