The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The Membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet Elisa Karen Warford.
Once upon a time (well, right before World War II), Elisa was born in Woodland, California. At about the age of five, she learned to draw Disney characters. After the war, she lived with her parents and grandparents on a ranch. At bedtime, her grandmother would read her fairy tales. Some of her favorites were the stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White.
She spent a lot of time creating fanciful creatures—some sweet, and some scary. Her Saturdays were spent at the theater seeing Disney cartoons and movies. Comic books and television (especially The Mickey Mouse Club) were also favorites.
She graduated high school from Sarah Dix Hamlin School in San Francisco with an award in art history and painting. Returning to Woodland, she continued her career in art with a private teacher, Mary Fortna, and later became a member of the Artist Co. Operative Gallery in Sacramento, winning many awards for her innovative works in collage, mixed media and stitchery. Some of the people who own her work are the State of California, Bo Diddley (music legend), Darrell Forney (art legend), and Werner Erhart (transformational philosopher).
After several years, she moved back to San Francisco, graduated from Pacific Fashion Institute and began designing fanciful and mythological soft sculpture. She sold her works through the The Chair House, Thousand Flowers, and other galleries throughout the U.S. In the late 1980's she returned to painting and drawing, exhibiting in galleries in San Francisco and Davis, California.
A few years ago, her daughter took her to Disneyland for the first time and she fell in love with it, now returning several times a year. And two years ago she became a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum, making the circle complete.
Elisa has two daughters, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Recently, our WDFM Membership Coordinator Pam Spedus sat down and had a brief conversation with Elisa about Walt, the Museum, and Membership.
PAM: Why did you become a member of The Walt Disney Family Museum?
ELISA: I wasn't really sure at first, but I had a feeling this would be a very worthwhile place to support knowing that Walt Disney had given so much to all of us. And he was a part of my life and influenced my own artwork. I just trusted my instincts and from my first visit I knew I was in the right place. I was comfortable and happy as soon as I stepped in the door. And I am very grateful I made that choice.
What do you find the most enjoyable about your membership?
Being able to come to a place, not too far away, and be a part of the Disney family and share the magic with others.
What do you find the most enjoyable about the Museum?
This is a hard choice to make, as I enjoy all of the different aspects of the museum: the galleries, the delightful gift shop and the movie presentations (especially the early Halloween cartoons). But I guess my favorite is the lectures by the people who worked with Walt in the early years of his career of cartoons, movies, television and of course, Disneyland. Being able to meet these talented people and hear their stories is a great honor. I especially enjoyed the lectures with John Canemaker and meeting some of the original Mouseketeers.
How does Walt Disney inspire you?
By visiting the galleries, I have seen the life of Walt Disney in detail. He persevered through good times and bad. He realized his dreams and entertained us all, no matter what age. Probably the perseverance, and being true to his heart's desire is the most inspirational aspect for me.
What was your first Disney inspiration or memory?
When I was four or five some of my first drawings (which I still have) were of Mickey and Donald Duck in the prewar 1940s. I loved to create through drawing and sewing imaginative creatures from that time on. Being exposed to Walt Disney's art through movies, comic and story books helped set the foundation for my own direction in creativity, giving soul to my fantasy characters.
Membership in The Walt Disney Family Museum has many benefits, including admission, complimentary film tickets, a quarterly newsletter, and a membership card that grants a 10% discount in the Museum Store—as well as discounts on selected educational and public programs. In addition, several times a year, special events for Members only are held within the Museum itself. You can purchase immediate membership at the Reception and Member Services Desk at the Museum during regular operating hours (Wednesday through Monday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM), or online by clicking here.
Images above: 1) Elisa and her daughter at Disneyland, 2006. Courtesy of Elisa Warford. 2) Mickey, drawn by four-year-old Elisa. Courtesy of Elisa Warford.