The Epcot Festival of the Arts offers guests a variety of opportunities to channel their inner artist! Throughout the Festival’s run from January 12 – February 19, 2018, Complimentary Seminars focus on the Performing, Visual, and Culinary Arts, just like the Festival itself.
Complimentary Seminars take place twice daily in the Odyssey Festival Showplace at 1:30 and 4:30 pm. These seminar offerings (which are included with admission to Epcot) change daily.
Complimentary Seminars
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018
Trailblazing Ladies of Disney Animation, Mindy Johnson, Author of Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Discover some of the notable animating women behind Walt Disney’s early animated classics
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018
Artful Uses for Your Park Map, Jovon Harkless, Local Artist
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn how to transform your park maps into a variety of beautiful art pieces
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018
The Art of Wood Carving, Andrew Mutiso, African Heritage, Inc.
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn about the art and history of carving wood sculptures
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018
The Power of Storytelling, Noah Elias, President and CEO, Great Flood Publishing Inc.
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover what makes a great story—and learn how you can use your own story to impact the world around you
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018
From Animated Films to Theme Parks, Lon Smart, Creative Concept Artist, Disney Entertainment
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Take a look at how a creative concept artist translates the fantasy world of film into an immersive theme park reality
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018
Principles of Background Art and Matte Painting in Animated Films, William Silvers, Former Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios Senior Background Artist
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn how background art has transitioned from 2D to 3D film and explore the differences between traditional and digital painting
MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018
What Does It Take to Get the Right Shot?, Simone Amaduzzi, Simone Amaduzzi Photography
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Find out what it takes to get the right shot from an international photographer
MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018
Making the New Look Old, Joe Bopp, Just-in Wood Signs, Oviedo, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover the secrets of aging and transforming basic woods into other materials and learn DIY techniques for your home projects
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018
Food as Art, Pana Thitaram, Walt Disney Imagineering
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Discover how food and the senses are used to enhance park attractions and environments
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018
The Art of Happiness, Will Gay, Design Director, Walt Disney World Resort
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Listen as Disney creative, Will Gay, talks about being an in-house Designer for Disney, and how following his dreams from an early age ultimately led him to happiness
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018
Magic in the Milk: A Look Into the World of Latte Art, Abby Lancaster, Barista, Axum Coffee, Winter Garden, FL
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Find out what lies behind the magic of the milk in a live latte art demonstration
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018
Ancient Process of Casting Bronze, David Cumbie, Crealdé School of Art, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn about the bronze casting process throughout history
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018
Photography 101: Take Better Photos with Your Cell Phone, Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera in order to take the best possible photos
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018
Creating a Stained Glass Hanging, Everett Whittaker, Artisans on fifth, Mt. Dora, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover the process of designing and constructing a stained glass hanging
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Presenting an Art Exhibition in One of the Top 10 Museums in the World, Josh Garrick, Artist and Creator of “Seeking the Ancient Kallos”
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Hear about the amazing series of events along a journey of destiny for a farm boy from Amish country who created a history-making exhibit
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Hip Hop: The Evolution of Flow, Charles Griffin, Founder of the Central Florida Composers Forum
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Take a deep dive into hip hop’s nearly 50-year marriage between poetry and rhythm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018
The Art of Disney Topiary, Debbie Mola, Disney’s Horticulture Team
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn how one-of-a-kind Walt Disney World topiaries are made and discover tips for creating your own horticulture sculptures at home
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018
From Concept to Creation, John Coulter, WonderGround Artist
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Listen as John discusses how his background in theatrical costuming and design has influenced his whimsical painting style and unique attention to detail
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018
Home Brewing, Mike Wallace, Ten10 Brewing
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn the art and craft of home brewing
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018
Making Every Moment Precious, Linda Rick, Precious Moments Doll Maker
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn the history and magic behind the making of the Precious Moments Disney Collection
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018
Store Design: Where Furniture, Interior and Themed Design Meet, Becky Browne Allen, Store Designer & Ashley Provenzano, Retail Development Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn how Walt Disney World Resort store designers incorporate the science of store planning with the art of retail design to produce world-class experiences
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018
Photography 101: Shooting Spectacular Fireworks, Jeff Nickel, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover tips and tricks to photographing the sparkles and splendor of fireworks
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018
State of Excellence, David Matteson, Orlando Museum of Art
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Discover the breadth and brilliance of private art collections in the state of Florida
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018
Creating Bead Woven Jewelry, Joyce Eaton-Brady, Artisans on fifth, Mt. Dora, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn to use the peyote stitch to create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018
From Animated Films to Theme Parks, Lon Smart, Creative Concept Artist, Disney Entertainment
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Take a look at how a creative concept artist translates the fantasy world of film into an immersive theme park reality
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018
The Story of the Storytellers, Peter Schreyer, CEO and Executive Director, Crealdé School of Art, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn about the teen documentary photography program that showcases the lives of student participants
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018
What Does It Take to Get the Right Shot?, Simone Amaduzzi, Simone Amaduzzi Photography
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Find out what it takes to get the right shot from an international photographer
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018
It’s All in the Details: The Art of the Prop and Its Role in the Story, Kristen Craig, Set Decorator, Walt Disney World Resort
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover the art of props and the role they play in bringing the stories and attractions to life at Disney Parks and Resorts
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018
Behind the Lines of Viz Art Ink, Gregg “Viz” Visintainer, Owner of Viz Art Ink and WonderGround Artist
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Find out how one man’s passion for doodling led to a career in the arts
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018
Sketchbook Savvy, Thomas Thorspecken, Crealdé School of Art, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Experience traditional and digital sketchbooks used by professional artists
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018
Food Styling 101, Katie Farmand, Edible Orlando, Good Catch
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Understand the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018
Black Ash Basketry, Marcia Morse Mullins, BorderWeave and Art Crawl, Inc.
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn about the processes used to turn an ash tree into weaving materials—and watch a live demonstration of a master basketmaker at work
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018
Photography 101: Lighting and Perspective, Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Glean insights into different types of lighting, the use of perspective and other techniques to apply to your photography
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018
Violin: What It Is and How It Works, Daniel Muni, Muni Strings, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn about the process of making violins and the physics of acoustical amplification that give the violin its unique sound
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018
Painting Shanghai Disneyland, George Scribner, Animation Director, Scribnerart, Inc.
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Hear about the challenges and rewards of this 3-year painting project
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018
It’s All in the Details: The Art of the Prop and Its Role in the Story, Kristen Craig, Set Decorator, Walt Disney World Resort
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover the art of props and the role they play in bringing the stories to life at Epcot
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018
Watermelon Carving, Stephanie Barlow, National Watermelon Promotion Board
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Watch as a watermelon is artfully carved and take away some tips and tricks that you can use at your next party
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018
Photography 101: A Look at Landscapes, Jeff Nickel, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Enjoy tips on how to maximize your photography of the beautiful scenes that surround us
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
What Does It Take to Get the Right Shot?, Simone Amaduzzi, Simone Amaduzzi Photography
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Find out what it takes to get the right shot from an international photographer
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
Acrylic in Action!, Donne Bitner, Crealdé Artist, Crealdé School of Art
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn all about painting with acrylics
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
A History of American Mavericks – Composers Outside the Box, Charles Griffin, Founder of the Central Florida Composers Forum
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Study up on American music history and its strain of independent thinkers
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
One Little Spark… Finding the Figment Inside of You, Jason “Tiki” Tackett, Disney’s Virtual Magic Kingdom, Disney Parks Blog
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Join Disney Artist Jason “Tiki” Tackett on a magical journey to find the creative spark which lives inside every one of us
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018
The Art of Face Painting, Enjoy Your Face, Inc.
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Watch how quickly trained artists can transform a face with hand-painting techniques
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018
The Music of John Williams, Charles Griffin, Founder of the Central Florida Composers Forum
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Take a look at John Williams’s unique genius and understand where his art fits into the fascinating history of music for film
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018
The Art of Disney Animation Story, Paul Briggs, Head of Story for Frozen and Big Hero 6, Voice Actor, Director
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn about classic story art and methods the artists use to create the amazing films of Disney Animation
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018
Fundamentals of the Art of Audio-Animatronics Animation, Doug Griffith, Walt Disney Imagineer
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn some of the simple artistic fundamentals behind making Audio-Animatronics come to life
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018
Unleash Your Inner Creator with Windows 10, Microsoft
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn how to create amazing things in a new dimension using Paint 3D and Mixed Reality Viewer
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018
Watercolor Travel Sketching, Urban Sketching, and Painting En Plein Air, Kim Minichiello, Former Walt Disney Imagineer and Founding Member of the Orlando Chapter of the Global Urban Sketchers Group
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn how to use watercolor sketching to record memories and discover the materials needed to chronicle the world around you
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018
Pancake Art, Hank Gustafon, Co-Owner and Manager, Dancakes
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Watch as Hank incorporates artistry and color to transform pancakes into artistic masterpieces
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018
Photography 101: Ready, Set, Action!, Jeff Nickel, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Get tips on how to best capture subjects in motion
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2018
Pancake Art, Hank Gustafon, Co-Owner and Manager, Dancakes
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Watch as Hank incorporates artistry and color to transform pancakes into artistic masterpieces
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2018
Creating a Magical Fairy House, Vikki Yarborough and Ronda Maseman, Fairy House Ladies
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Meet the Fairy House Ladies and discover how they’ve been creating fairy houses of all sizes since 2006
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018
Photography 101: Photo Editing, Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar starts at 1:30 PM
Look at a variety of photo editing programs, explore editing tools and learn how to produce the best possible photos from the images you have already taken
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018
Unleash Your Inner Creator with Windows 10, Microsoft
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn how to create amazing things in a new dimension using Paint 3D and Mixed Reality Viewer
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
A Brief History of Jazz, Charles Griffin, Founder of the Central Florida Composers Forum
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Explore the perfect storm of cultural and musical influences that gave rise to the birth of jazz in New Orleans, and take a quick tour of the trail blazed by the giants of this uniquely American genre
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
Upcycling for the Theatre: Faux Art Techniques, Jovon Harkless, Local Artist
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover how prop masters and set artists apply techniques to make the old look new, the new look old—and everything in between
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018
Presenting an Art Exhibition in One of the Top Ten Museums in the World, Josh Garrick, Artist and Creator of “Seeking the Ancient Kallos”
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Hear about the amazing series of events along a journey of destiny for a farm boy from Amish country who created a history-making exhibit
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018
Brainstorming, Ideation and Doodling Your Way to Great Ideas, Jason Grandt, Creative Director, Art Direction, Walt Disney World Resort
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn how Walt Disney Imagineers use blue-sky thinking—and discover how you can use this practice in your everyday life
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018
Stories from a National Parks Painter, Patricia Cummins, 12 Time National Park Artist-in-Residence
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Observe as Patricia presents her artwork and shares stories about her experience as a painter
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018
Watermelon Carving, Stephanie Barlow, National Watermelon Promotion Board
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Watch as a watermelon is artfully carved and take away some tips and tricks that you can use at your next party
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018
An Afternoon With a Disney Historian, David A. Bossert, Author and Disney Historian
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Join David as he discusses his latest books, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons; The Art of Tennessee Loveless: The Mickey Mouse TEN x TEN x TEN Contemporary Pop Art Series; and Dali and Disney: Destino Limited Edition
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018
Ceramics and Civilization, Doug Bringle, Crealdé School of Art, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover the importance of ceramics in the rise of civilization
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Art in the Community, Joshua Vickery, Central Florida Community Arts
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Discover how the arts are a powerful outlet to express, build community and give back in a great way
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Violin: What It Is and How It Works, Daniel Muni, Muni Strings, Winter Park, FL
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Learn about the process of making violins and the physics of acoustical amplification that give the violin its unique sound
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Photography 101: Magic with Water, Tom Smutny, Disney Photo Imaging
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn about using camera settings, lenses and locations to get the best results with photographs involving water
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Seeing Sound and Painting Music, Christina Eve, Studio of Christina Eve, Art Crawl, Inc.
Seminar at 4:30 PM
Discover how synesthesia—a neurological condition that merges audio and visual senses—allows Christina Eve to manipulate acrylic and alcohol inks with blown air, palette knives and sponges to visually depict music and sound
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Upcycling for Floral Arrangements, Jovon Harkless, Local Artist
Seminar at 1:30 PM
Learn about upcycling techniques and alternate materials to create unique, personalized floral arrangements