As part of Walt Disney World Resort’s ongoing support to the Orlando Museum of Art, the company is sponsoring From Alice to Zeus: The Art of John Rocco, an exhibit on view from July 14 – October 28, 2012.

This is the eighth exhibition in OMA’s Art of the Picture Book Series, and because Rocco is a Disney Hyperion artist this was a unique synergistic opportunity to help OMA present children’s programming.

The exhibit includes more than 60 preparatory drawings and finished illustrations by Rocco as well as rough sketches and doodles offering a “behind the scenes” look at the artist’s creative process.

Rocco studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Following his 1991 graduation he collaborated with actress Whoopi Goldberg in creating the picture book Alice, and he later became a Disney Imagineer.  Rocco designed attractions for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and served as an art director for DisneyQuest.  After returning to New York City in 2004 Rocco began writing and illustrating children’s books (Wolf! Wolf!, Moonpowder, Fu Finds the Way, Blackout, all published by Disney Hyperion Book) as well as illustrating books for older readers.  Rocco’s most recent picture book, Blackout (published in 2011), was selected as a 2012 Caldecott Honor Book, one of the highest awards given in the world of children’s books.

Rocco will appear at the Orlando Museum of Art on September 29 at 1:00 pm for a free presentation and book signing.

Related articles

• Walt Disney World Resort at Holidaytime Unwraps Festive Traditions (chipandco.com)
• Disney Family Movies “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)

Chip (6718 Posts)

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.