Disneyland Columbia Concept Art Signed by Sam McKim

Legendary Disney artist Sam McKim sadly passed away in 2004. One of the original Imagineers, his influence is seen all throughout Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the other parks. He drew many sketches that were used to create Main Street and Frontierland. He and Marvin Davis created the original concept art for much of New Orleans Square, including the Haunted Mansion, and has made many contributions to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. Disney collectors know him best for creating the original souvenir map, and for creating new ones for all of the parks as they changed and grew over the years. But few people, even among collectors, know that Sam was a child actor in Hollywood in the 1930's and 40's until he was drafted for World War II. After the war, he went to college on the GI Bill and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Los Angeles Art Center which led to his career as an artist. He worked for Fox Studios for a short time before being laid off. He was soon hired by Disney where he worked for 32 years.

Here we have a print of his concept painting of Columbia, the ship that sails in the Rivers of America, with a cut-away view inside the hold. It's an 11x14" photo in a 16x20" mat that was signed by Mr. McKim at a special event in the Disney Gallery for its release in June, 1993 when we bought it. We only knew Mr. McKim through our visits at Disney collectibles shows, but we always felt a closeness to him because he was such an outgoing, gracious, and friendly gentleman who was always happy to talk to the many fans of his work. His art and good humor will be sorely missed by Disney fans around the world. This signed piece features the sailing ship Columbia, one of his major contributions to Disneyland, and it is a tribute to this artist's enormous talent and unflagging spirit.