Since retiring at the end of 2013, I have had the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion for painting. With the opportunity to explore and develop the subject matter that has always inspired me, I am now finding a rhythm of producing paintings and refining my artistic skills.
After an exciting and fulfilling career, I retired from Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) on December 27, 2013. As the Lead Creative Designer, I managed a team of artists and creative designers along with a variety of design driven projects for the Walt Disney World portfolio and also served as the Principal Concept Designer. My creative responsibilities included concept artwork to illustrate a variety of ideas for themed environments and assisted project teams assigned to developing Disney theme parks, attractions, resorts and the Disney Cruise Ships. During my tenure at WDI, I developed a reputation for being a skilled artist, I also created artwork for reproduction, and many of my creations are on display throughout the Disney theme parks and resorts.
Soon after earning my MA and MFA from the University of Wisconsin in Painting, Drawing and Design, I taught drawing at Wayne State University. Internationally, I taught Painting and Drawing and was the Head of the Department of Fine Art at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. I have also exhibited paintings nationally and internationally. Upon my return from East Africa, my career diverted from fine art to interior design. For eight years and prior to joining WDI, I worked as an interior designer specializing in hospitality design for Holiday Inns in Memphis, Tennessee.
My wife Lori and I live in the Central Florida area with our children and grandchildren living nearby.
Prior to 2020 and before the COVID-19 pandemic, I exhibited my paintings at the SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden in almost all of their exhibitions. In May and June of 2016, I was the featured artist at the SoBo Art Gallery.
During my tenure at Walt Disney Imagineering (1990 through 2013), I produced thousands of art pieces both in traditional media as well as in digital format. All of which are stored in the Walt Disney Company Archives.
A Portrait of Walt Disney World, 50 years of the Most Magical Place on Earth
Forward by Bob Chapel
By Kevin M. Kern / Tim O’Day / Steven Vaginini
Disney Editions, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-05284-9|
First Edition, September 2021
Imagineering, A Behind the Dreams Look at Making MORE Magic Real
By The Imagineers
With Melody Malmberg
Disney Editions, Welcome Enterprises, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4231-0766-8
The Art of Walt Disney World
Written by Jeff Kurtti
Designed by Bruce Gordon
Disney Editions, an imprint of Disney Book Group, 2009
A Camphor Tree Book
ISBN: 978-1-4231-0673-9
The Imagineering Workout, Exercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles
By The Disney Imagineers
Compiled and Edited by Peggy Van Pelt
Disney Editions, 2005
A Camphor Tree Book
ISBN: 0-7868-5554-1