FAO Schwarz window display

Thirty years ago (!) I designed and installed a series of window displays for the now gone FAO Schwarz toy store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.  I had just returned from London and going through the process of getting my work visa to return so during that wait time I went around looking for freelance work. I think there was a total of 5 windows but these are the only photos I’ve found so far.  The concept, if I recall, was the FAO Schwarz train’s journey from Grand Central Station through NYC landmarks to its final destination on Fifth Avenue.  See the Mary Blair influence in the Central Park window?

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Walt Disney Family Museum and Mary Blair

Last week I visited the Walt Disney Family Museum to see the Mary Blair special exhibition with my friend and former CalArts colleague, Ralph Eggleston.  For any fans of Mary Blair, this is a must-see exhibition with several pieces from her earlier watercolor days to the incredible concept art she created for Disney studios.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the permanent collection in the museum.  There are so many  personal photos and items, like the wonderful miniatures Disney collected during his travels throughout Europe after World War II.  Be sure to spend time in the main museum if you can.07302014DisneyMuseum