A little while back we profiled the talented Angie Cameron-Daley – a gifted artist who specializes in Disney artwork.

A few weeks ago at the D23 Expo, Angie’s artwork was recognized and displayed at the Fan Art Gallery. She was gracious enough recently put her feelings down in words so we can get a peak into what it’s like to see a Disney dream come true.

The D23 Expo in Anaheim.

Late winter of 2011, I received an email from a friend of mine. 
She was excited to tell me that D23 was having a Fan Art Contest honoring 101 Dalmatians celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. The winners of this contest would have their selected piece on display in the 2011 D23 Expo’s Fan Art Gallery!

How could I not?

I only had until April 4th to submit up to 3 sketches, and from there a panel of Disney Creative Executives would choose which sketch was to be finalized and hanging in the Anaheim Convention Center. With so many ideas like fireworks, it was not easy to sketch as fast as my mind was creating, and it was even harder to choose only 3 out of all my ideas.

Over those next few months I created the most detailed designs, which was tricky because my final paintings always have a texture and technique that does not show well in drawings. It was important that my personal style was evident as much as possible. I managed to narrow down my final favorites down to 5. Then, who better to ask for help then my personal family and my Disney family?

I sent an email to quite a few friends and family members. Included in my email were 5 sketches and I asked them if they would choose their top 3 pieces. As the emails quickly came back, I tallied up everyone’s favorites to determine which one’s would be mailed off to D23. The love and support was incredible! As hard as the decision was for everyone to choose only 3, the opinions were unanimous… the 3 I had the most confidence in seemed to be almost everyones favorites as well. It made my decision very clear and without a doubt!

Once my final 3 sketches were mailed off, all that I could to then was wait… and wait… and wait…

One evening in May, I was checking my emails and there it was – an email from D23 Archives. My heart raced and my stomach turned. I opened the email and read every word, then again, and one more time: “Villains of the Caribbean” was chosen as a finalist in the D23 Fan Art Contest!

I was bouncing off the walls and jumping for joy. It was an amazing feeling to know that my artwork and my name would be in the same building as all the other Disney Artists, Vendors, and so much more!

So immediately I was off to find the perfect size canvas and all the supplies I needed to bring “The Villains of the Caribbean” to life.  As I painted “Villains of the Caribbean”, I really wanted to make sure I kept it true to my original sketch. I painted as close to the due date as possible, I didnt want to call my piece done until I absolutely had to. The longer I had to work on it, the better I tried to make it. But finally it had to be shipped. I had to call it complete and be proud of what I had done. I left it to the professionals to wrap, pack and ship for me – it had to arrive in the best shape possible.

Once I started planning and talking about the exciting trip to California, it was amazing how many friends were by my side ready to make the trip with me! So with 2 very special friends of mine, we started working out the details. I planned on staying only for the weekend and we would be staying at Paradise Pier. I had a friend living in California so it was nice that he was willing to pick me up from the airport, tour California and then off to the parks where I got to meet up with my Disney Family that travelled from Texas and New Jersey just to be by my side for the weekend. All 4 of us had dinner at Cafe Orleans in Disneyland, went on rides, and watched the beautiful fireworks.

Angie and friends at Disneyland.

When I finally got to the hotel, I was surprised to find the room decorated to celebrate my huge accomplishment!

On the morning, D23 day, I met with my Disney Family and we walked over to the Anaheim Convention Center. The line was long but thankfully moved very fast. I could not wait to get inside. “Villains of the Caribbean” was not my first stop, I wasn’t even sure where she was within the 3 floors of excitement. My first few stops were to my favorite Disney Artists, I had to meet them in person, then many other booths where I would find more of my Disney family and friends. Then after lunch it was time to go find Cruella! I knew she was on the second floor up in the Archives Room, displayed in The House Of De Vil.

There it is!

As soon as I spotted my painting I had the biggest smile and I was beaming. It looked incredible!

The artist and her creation.

Hanging on a column with a spot light above her, a D23 card with my name on it, and people standing around looking at it and talking about it! My friends joined me upstairs and we were all giddy. We took so many pictures knowing that as soon as we walked away, it was the last time we would see her. It broke my heart!

I got to meet some of the other finalists and some D23 fans, I heard amazing things about my painting which only made me smile more! After spending almost an hour in The House Of De Vil, it was time to go, time to say good -bye to Cruella, Jasper, Horrace and the puppies… it wasn’t easy but I was so proud.

It was time to head to parks and celebrate with my Disney Family. I couldn’t ask for a better weekend!
All that was missing was my Family.

One last look...