Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season with “Visions of the Holidays: A Live Creation of Art”

Two internationally-renowned artists will create their holiday visions live in the resort lobby through sugar sculpture and paint

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – December 4, 2008 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is bringing together two world-class artists to celebrate the holiday season in a special one-night event called Visions of the Holidays: A Live Creation of Art that will stimulate the senses through artistry and culinary experiences.    

On December 13, visitors to the resort will have the opportunity to watch up close and personal as the two-time world champion pastry chef Laurent Branlard and internationally renowned and award-winning painter Michael Hall create the holiday visions dancing in their heads through their individual forms of artistry. Guests will be able to interact and speak with both artists as they create these special holiday works of art live on-site.  

Branlard, who is the resort’s executive pastry chef, will use his unique ability to manipulate sugar into elaborate 100 percent-edible showpieces resembling glass sculptures. Renowned for these intricate sugar sculptures that can stand 7 ft. tall; he is the only person to have won the World Pastry Team Championship twice and has been featured on the Food Network, Today Show and CBS Early Show.

Hall will channel the holiday spirit through his paint brush combining simple acrylic paint colors into a vibrant work of art. Hall’s work is recognized for its unique use of rich, vivid colors, thick texture and bold dimensions. In 2006, Hall was chosen as one of six official Olympic artists for the winter games in Turin, Italy. His work is featured in galleries and collections around the world including the private collections of Dolly Parton and Mel Gibson.      

Branlard and Hall will create their work from 6-8pm in the festive atmosphere of the Dolphin lobby highlighted by a 45-ft. tall Christmas tree and holiday piano music performed live.  Afterwards, guests can enjoy Branlard’s desserts at any of the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges which include Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Shula’s Steak House.

Those visitors who are seeking holiday gifts for art lovers can stop in at The Galleriá Sottil, located in the Dolphin lobby, following the event for a Hall art show and to find works from other noted artists such as Luis Sottil, Thomas Easley and Edson Campos.  Visitors with a sweet-tooth will be able to purchase Branlard’s custom-made chocolates available only at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.   

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is located at 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.  For more information on Visions of the Holidays: A Live Creation of Art please call The Galleriá Sottil at 407-934-4495 or visit www.swandolphin..com/aboutus/whatsnew.html