“She brought modern art to Walt [Disney] in a way that no one else did. ary Blair had a passion He was so excited about her work.” for art and the talent to MARC DAVIS, ANIMATOR Mmatch. If you have ever seen a Disney film, visited a Disney theme park or resort, or read a Little Golden Book, you most likely have seen her work. Born Mary Browne Robinson in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1911, following high school Blair made her way to Los Angeles, California, and the Chouinard Art Institute. Her inherent gift had earned her a scholarship to the institute well known for training both fine art practitioners and commercial artists. The motion picture industry found Chouinard alumni the perfect answer to the growing need for everything from art direction and animation to costume design and set creation. For more than 30 years, Mary Blair brought imagination to life for Walt Disney Studios. (Left) It was during Mary Blair’s visit to South America that she developed her more vibrant and colorful style. “Peruvian Hat Woman” remained in Blair’s personal collection and hung in her home when not being exhibited. 3535