Walt Disney Animation Studios Fêtes Female Animation Talent at Animayo
Walt Disney Animation Studios is honoring the incredible female talent in art and animation with a special exhibition at the Animayo festival in the Canary Islands, Spain. The exhibition, titled “Whimsy & Wonder,” will be showcased exclusively at the festival from May 7-10.
As an official sponsor of the festival, Disney will pay tribute to the female artists who have played a vital role in shaping Disney’s visual storytelling over the past century. From the pioneering work of Mary Blair in the 1950s to the visionary women behind modern classics like “Frozen,” “Encanto,” and “Moana 2,” the exhibition celebrates the contributions of these talented artists who have left a lasting impact on the world of animation.
Mary Blair, a renowned color stylist and art director, introduced a bold new vision to Disney animation in the 1940s and ’50s. Her use of vibrant colors and whimsical shapes transformed the studio’s style during that era.
“Whimsy & Wonder” will offer a glimpse into the creative talents of visual development and storytelling artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios, showcasing their work from films like “The Princess and the Frog” to the recent hit “Moana 2.”
The exhibition will feature works by Mary Blair and six extraordinary female artists from Disney Animation Studios:
– Lorelay Bové (Spain/Andorra): Visual development artist on various Disney films and associate production designer of “Encanto.”
– Lisa Keene: Production designer and visual development artist on films like “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Lion King.”
– Brittney Lee: Production designer and visual development artist known for her iconic costume designs in “Frozen.”
– Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay: Visual development artist on “Encanto,” “Moana,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
– Josie Trinidad: Emmy-winning director and head of story on “Zootopia” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”
– Fawn Veerasunthorn: Director of “Wish” and head of story on “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Animayo Gran Canaria 2025, led by founder-director-producer Damián Perea, will bring together over 40 speakers and special guests from the animation industry worldwide. The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a significant event in the Canary Islands, which has become a hub for animation.
The exhibition by Walt Disney Animation Studios at Animayo marks a milestone for the festival, which is the only Oscar-qualifying animation festival in Spain. The festival’s sponsors, including the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Government of the Canary Islands, and various cultural institutions, play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the animation industry in the region.
Overall, the exhibition at Animayo celebrates the talent and creativity of female artists in animation and highlights their invaluable contributions to the art form. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and filmmakers, showcasing the power of storytelling and visual art in the world of animation.
