Stories Around the World
Written by @DashHaber
Waiting in this colorful cardboard art gallery are scenes and moments from stories all around the world. With these colorful paintings and multilingual display signs, guests will learn how there is always a tale to tell, no matter where you may roam.
Building Exterior
On the left-hand side of the Four Winds Square stands a sturdy cardboard-based structure. Assembled with cardboard walls and paper columns, it looks like a child’s vision of a museum (albeit one with bright colors). Resting atop the “museum” roof supported by some blocks is a book, a simple-looking one with a golden design along the book’s spine. Its cover depicts a boy and a girl peering out from behind a globe. Both are smiling as they hold up books, as the title over them proudly reads “Stories Around the World!”. Also resting on two corners of the "museum" roof are large origami cranes, who gently flap their "wings".
Building Interior
Stepping in through the doors, guests enter a warm and inviting art gallery whose lobby has a floor modeled after an atlas. Benches are placed throughout for folks to have a chance to rest their feet and take in the art. Going with the “crafted” look, the benches appear to be made from paper and yarn to offer a comfy spot to sit. The atmosphere is charming, but the main draw here is what is on the walls: the paintings.
Rendered in that classic Mary Blair art-style are a collection of paintings, depicting scenes and moments from various folklore and fairy tales. Each painting has a display sign, which gives a rough summary of the story. The display signs come in two languages: English, and the native language from whichever country the story originates. This offer a chance for guests unfamiliar with the story to discover them, and those who recognize the origins a chance to share a connection with it.
Among the many paintings, stories that guests can see include:
The Maid of the Mist (Native American folklore)
John Henry (American tall tale)
The Blind Men and the Elephant (India)
The Frog Princess (Russia)
Stingy Jack (Ireland)
Momotaro (Japan)
The Magic Lotus Lantern (China)
Kallo and the Goblins (Greece)
Dick Whittington and His Cat (England)
Maui brings fire to the world (Polynesian Mythology)
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (Arabian Peninsula)
The Tale of Shim Chong (South Korea)
Riquet with the Tuft (France)
Hansel and Gretel (Germany)
Three Billy Goats Gruff (Norway)
Anansi and the Dispersal of Wisdom (West African folklore)
The Water of Life (Spain)
The Fifth Age Creation Myth (Aztec Mythology)
Prunella (Italy)
The Rainbow Serpent (Australian Aboriginal folklore)