When designing the Epcot World Showcase Pavilions, Disney Imagineers did not want simply to recreate locales; they wanted to show their audience what is special about each place and give them a taste of what it feels to actually be there. Their goal was in keeping with Epcot’s central mission—to bring the viewer a more personal connection to a faraway land. Of course, each international pavilion has to represent an entire country, not just one city or town. So to give Guests a sufficient experience, Imagineers placed great importance on piecing together “an appropriate mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary components that work together properly” (Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot).
For the France Pavilion, those essential components were pulled heavily from the city of Paris, as it is one of the most recognizable cities in the world and its visages immediately conjure thoughts of the picturesque nation. Characteristically Parisian mansard roofs and dormers, sidewalk cafes, fountains arcades, even an Eiffel Tower replica transport Guests across the Atlantic without stepping foot outside the States.
Instead of drawing details from other notable destinations around the country, the France Pavilion is authenticated by something else the nation is known for: art. The park along the canal, which itself is a sort of mini Seine, practically pops right out of Georges Seurat’s painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, and female Cast Members’ costumes at Impressions de France film, excepting minor alterations, are taken from painter Edouard Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergere. The small maze hedge at the front of the Pavilion is styled after French landscape artist Andre Le Notre’s (1613-1700) works, whose similar gardens can be seen at chateaus across France, including the Palace of Versailles. A replica of Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine River that links Musee du Louvre and Institut de France connects the France Pavilion to the United Kingdom Pavilion. And if visiting during the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Guests can smell the scents of flowers and spices used to make fine French parfum. I’d say all the elements “work together properly” in the France Pavilion to give Epcot visitors a very personal connection to this faraway land.
Today’s Takeaway:
Get gooey with your little artists today! Follow this very simple recipe from I Can Teach My Child to make homemade finger paint. Store in recycled squeezable containers and let them create beautiful masterpieces.
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| Via I Can Teach My Child |
You will need:
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 1/2 cups hot water
Coloring: food coloring, tempera paint, or powdered tempera will work
What to do:
1) Mix flour and salt.
2) Add cold water and stir until smooth.
3) Add the hot water and bring to boil. Remove from heat when thickened.
4) Whisk away lumps.
5) Separate evenly into two or three small bowls.
6) Color each bowl.
7) Pour into recycled squeeze containters such as honey, ketchup or mustard bottles.
8) Allow to cool before letting children paint, and store in refrigerator when done.
SCHOOL SUBJECT: Art
SKILL LEVEL: Preschool, Elementary
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