As part of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary, a new six-part artwork series by artist Sam Carter pays tribute to a century of creativity, storytelling, and innovation. It is Disney100 History in Art. The paintings debuted at the Disney100: D23 Royal Anniversary Ball, the stunning series transports fans through iconic eras of Disney—from its humble beginnings in 1923 to today’s most beloved characters and franchises.
1920s: The Dawn of a Dream
The first piece celebrates the start of the Disney legacy. Alice from the Alice Comedies appears beside Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and early iterations of Mickey Mouse (Plane Crazy and Steamboat Willie), with a cameo from the Skeleton Dance (1929). It’s a visual tribute to Walt and Roy’s newly formed Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio.
1930s–1940s: Snow White to Fantasia
This era’s artwork showcases Walt’s first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), with the Carthay Circle Theatre in the background. Mickey appears in Fantasia (1940), and nods to Pinocchio, Bambi, and early Mickey Mouse comics and merchandise—including the first Mickey watch—add depth to this golden era.
1950s–1970s: Disneyland and Magical Firsts
The birth of Disney Parks defines this era. From Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent to Mary Poppins, the piece features Disneyland (1955), Walt Disney World (1971), the Main Street Electrical Parade, “it’s a small world,” and Orange Bird. Attractions and icons like Enchanted Tiki Room and the original Monorail bring nostalgia to life.
1980s: Global Expansion and TV Magic
In the ’80s, Disney expanded with the opening of EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland. The piece features Spaceship Earth, Figment, Minnie Mouse in a kimono, and the Meet the World attraction. Television flourishes with The Disney Channel and DuckTales, while Splash and Touchstone Pictures represent a bold new creative era.
1990s–2000s: Renaissance and Pixar Power
This vibrant piece highlights Disney’s animation resurgence with Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, plus Broadway hits like The Lion King. Parks and ships open globally—from Disney Cruise Line to Hong Kong Disneyland. Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, and Cars usher in the Pixar generation.
2010s–2020s: The Modern Magic Multiverse
The final artwork features Marvel’s Iron Man, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, along with Grogu, Rey, and BB-8 from Star Wars. National Geographic’s Free Solo and Avatar: The Way of Water are also represented. Frozen and Wish mark Walt Disney Animation Studios’ global resonance. Shanghai Disney Resort and Enchanted Storybook Castle cap off the skyline.
Behind the Art with Sam Carter
Carter collaborated with Melanie Lapovich of Disney Corporate Creative Resources to blend historical accuracy with Disney magic. From Spaceship Earth motifs on Minnie’s kimono to deep cuts like Tokyo Disneyland’s Meet the World balloon characters, every choice was intentional.
“I was addicted to working on this,” said Carter. “Each era’s music inspired my process. Seeing them printed 10’ x 8’ on the Disney lot—it was emotional. I wanted each piece to feel like a celebration, a memory come to life.”
He added, “This project was the most special of my Disney career. If even one fan spots an Easter egg and feels something—every long night was worth it.”
