(Walt Disney Studios, circa 1963) Original concept painting by Mary Blair of cosmonaut children for the 'It's a Small World' exhibit and ride created by WED Enterprises for the 1964 New York World's Fair. The fair's theme was 'Peace Through Understanding,' dedicated to 'Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe'—ideals perfectly captured in this concept artwork, which shows two cosmonaut children floating in outer space, tethered to a rocket ship, as the Sputnik satellite orbits above. The starry background features six planets, including Earth and Saturn. Accomplished in tempera on 14 x 11 artist's board. In fine condition, with tack holes to corners.
Mary Blair, who had been an art director on several Disney animated features, including Cinderella, Alice In Wonderland, and Peter Pan, developed the 'It's a Small World' attraction's whimsical design and color styling. Her imaginative take on the space program, still in its infancy in America and the Soviet Union, aptly portrays 'Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe.' A wonderful piece of concept art for a popular Disney attraction.
