Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression

Brett Tachi – Memento

Brett is a Japanese-American artist born and raised in Orlando, Florida, who is currently based in Hamilton, Ohio. A lifelong artist, she began painting murals in 2018 and fell in love with the process of both designing and painting large-scale work. She believes art shouldn’t be accessible only in galleries; it should live in our streets and in our homes, in local businesses and everywhere in between. Brett is passionate about helping others manifest their creative ideas through powerful visual imagery and thoughtful design.

Jason Naylor – MY SISTER EMILEE

Jason is an award-winning artist, designer, and creative director based in Brooklyn, New York. His work often includes bright colors and positive messages, reflecting his zeal for life and his quest for joy.

Jason works in digital and traditional media, ranging from typography and illustration to products and murals. His work has received global recognition, including the Golden Novum Design Award and 2 CLIO Bronze medals.

Brandon Hill – Against All Odds

With over a decade in public art, Brandon Hill has created somewhere between 100 and 1,000 murals and installations—he's honestly lost count. His work is part of the permanent collection at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and has been featured in galleries nationwide.

Hill has painted at prestigious events— including Art Basel Miami and Washington D.C.'s DC WALLS Festival—establishing himself as a prolific voice in contemporary public art.

Liz Flores – Fortaleza

Chicago-based painter and muralist Liz Flores draws deeply from storytelling, the female form and everyday human experiences. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, she explores the human condition through lines, shapes and abstract figures.

Her work is a visceral reaction to life—capturing emotion and memory through her interests in community, womanhood and Latinidad. While the women in her paintings are rooted in her own experiences, Flores intentionally keeps their faces and forms ambiguous, inviting viewers to see themselves reflected in the work.

Marci Swett – Gullah Magic

Gullah Magic reflects the story of the Gullah people—descendants of West and Central Africa—who currently live throughout the American South, including Florida.

Marcella Swett’s painting honors her Gullah heritage and offers her a way to teach people about the culture. Elements from Gullah culture can be found in the painting—the use of the seagrass basket and the grain of rice represent their art and traditions. In addition, the three faces in the painting symbolize the past, present and future of the Gullah people.

Emily Ding –Taking Flight

Emily Ding is a muralist who draws inspiration from flora, fauna and the human temperament. Her large-scale work is characterized by expressive animals and figures, which come to life through bold color gradients and a fluid, painterly style. Resonating deeply with the phenomena of the natural world, she aims to communicate emotions and experiences through storytelling with wild creatures.

Nicole Salgar – Viaje Despierto (Awoken Journey)

Nicole Salgar is a multi-media visual artist from Miami, Florida. Influenced by her Latin roots and passion for horror, sci-fi and folk art, Nicole has traveled to Cuba, Europe, South America and along the United States east coast collaborating on mural projects with local communities. Often using muralism as a meditative and healing practice, she invites viewers to challenge their perspectives and assumptions which may arise from her ambiguous motifs. Nicole finds that experimentation is the key to creation and without it, nothing truly effective has the chance to reveal itself.

Sam Kirk – Embrace Your Truth: 'Out and Proud'

Sam Kirk, an award-winning United States artist, delves into culture and identity politics through her multidisciplinary artwork. With a focus on celebrating diversity and effecting change, Sam's portfolio boasts over 60 permanent murals and temporary installations worldwide. Her art practice intentionally uplifts historically marginalized communities. Inspired by human experiences, her narrative-driven pieces unveil the complexities of life and their impact on identity. Sam's vibrant palette, intricate line-work and layered backgrounds vividly depict global communities, drawing from childhood memories, personal travels and often overlooked histories.

TRATOS – El Nido (The Nest)

TRATOS is a collaboration between Katerina Santos and Juan Travieso—a Cuban couple based in Lakeland, Florida. In Spanish, “Tratos” means a deal, a bond or a promise—and is a culmination of the artists’ last names. This couple works together to create the reality they wish to see in their paintings and murals.

El Nido (The Nest) is a portrait of the artists’ son sitting in greenery. In the piece, he is surrounded by birds, butterflys and plantlife. This mural is important to TRATOS because it is the first time they have displayed their son in their work.

To them, magic is, “seeing our son smile. Seeing him grow and experience life each and everyday….”

Nardstar – The Voices in My Head

Nardstar is a South African street artist based in Cape Town. Her unique geometric-esque style has propelled her to the top of Africa’s growing urban art universe.

Visit Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression to view Nardstar’s mural, The Voices in My Head. The birds featured in this piece represent our thoughts and our self-speak. Are we singing sweet songs to ourselves or chirping away criticism? The hair is made of leafy bush and is a play on the Cape Tonian term Bos Kop which translates to “bushy head.”

To Nardstar, magic is “in the simple things! A laugh shared with a loved one—finding the perfect parking or simply a walk in nature.”

Mila Sketch – This must be the place!

Mila Sketch is an American contemporary multimedia artist living in Austin, Texas. Through her intricate large-scale murals and expressive fine art paintings, Mila illustrates her fascination with the relationship between nature and urban and technological development. Her artwork can be found across the globe—from Texas and New York in the Unites States to Angers, France and Murmansk, Russia.

This must be the place! was inspired by Walt Disney’s early idea for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). In this mural, Mila brings together her favorite buildings from every city where a Disney park is located, uniting them onto a diverse and inclusive canvas. Look closely and you’ll discover architectural highlights from Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Los Angeles.

The mural also incorporates the colors from the original Gilbert Baker gay pride flag in celebration of its 45th anniversary on June 25, 2023.

Mila says magic is, “something from your dreams but better, like the birth of new life or meeting the love of your life. Magic is a movement of an energy source more prominent and much stronger than you.”

Thao French – Space in Time

Born in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam and raised in Fresno, California, Thao French is a muralist, street photographer and studio artist. She is best known for co-founding Mindful Murals™ with her husband. Together, they’ve painted over 400 community murals for schools and public spaces around the world—from Mexico to Vietnam.

The theme of her piece Space in Time is intersecting contrasts—soft and sharp, light and dark, growth and pain. “When I look back on my life,” she says, “all of the amazing things I am grateful for now were born of moments of darkness,” and that realization forms the inspiration of this piece. Flowers bloom from black cut lines, stark shattered areas that Thao says, “represent every heartbreak, loss, rage and disappointment. The petals grow from the dark areas, forming fullness and visual abundance. It announces joy is coming!”

Andrew Hem – Happy

Born during his parents’ flight from Cambodia, Andrew Hem grew up poised in the divide between 2 cultures—the rural animistic society of his Khmer ancestors and the dynamic urban arts of his tough Los Angeles neighborhood. Fascinated by graffiti at an early age, he honed his skills on city walls before pursuing a degree in illustration from Art Center College of Design.

Working in gouache, oil and acrylic, Andrew weaves atmospheric, richly textured narratives in a vivid palette of twilight blues, deep reds and splashes of golden light. His haunting impressions of culture and landscape evoke liminal spaces, such as the manifestation of memories and dreams. Concerning this project, Andrew took inspiration from the joyful setting around him: “I just wanted to paint my happiest place.”

Ernesto Maranje – The Path to Everywhere

Ernesto Maranje is a Cuban American artist from Miami, Florida. Working on both canvas and large-scale murals, his subjects depict the beauty of the natural world: flora and fauna, biological evolution, and plant and animal relationships. Ernesto has partnered with many public art projects, non-profits and NGOs, as well as crafted pieces in countries around the world—including Ukraine, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece and Spain.

His mural The Path to Everywhere was inspired by the types of moments that populate childhood memories, favorite movies and young imaginations—the times people are encouraged to suspend their disbelief and become fully immersed in an experience. He hopes his piece will make viewers “feel a little of the magic that Disney has inspired for generations.”

Ernest Shaw – Crossing Gods

Ernest Shaw champions a message of compassion and understanding one brushstroke at a time. A native of West Baltimore, Shaw infuses his art with the soul of his community, featuring portraits that reflect what he calls “the multiple aspects of the Black/Africanist experience.” Shaw’s work serves as an opportunity for empathy and introspection—inviting audiences to interact with each painting and experience a connection with their fellow human beings.

This piece, Crossing Gods, is part of a series that Shaw says, “highlights the humanity of inner-city youth who are stereotyped, misunderstood and demonized.” The primary subjects, 2 Squeegee workers, represent both the literal and spiritual intersection of human engagement. Shaw explains his use of the colors blue and pink to create “an inclusive place and space for all members of the community regardless of sexual orientation, education, or gender.”

Nneka Jones – Create Your Spotlight

Nneka Jones is a Trinidadian-born multidisciplinary artist currently living and working in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in the Caribbean was one of the main factors that molded Jones into the artist she is today. Her astounding love for color and special attention to detail, as influenced by her culture, have always been prominent throughout her artistic journey.

Create Your Spotlight features a portrait of a young woman smiling with a prominent halo or glow––emphasizing themes of magic, empowerment and happiness. It ultimately encourages women and young girls to be fearless history-makers and to defy the odds.

To be an artist was Nneka’s ultimate dream, but to be an artist painting at Disney is a magical dream turned into reality through passion, dedication and fearless commitment.

Eduardo Kobra – Magical Connections (Conexões Mágicas)

Eduardo Kobra was born on the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil.

Kobra has shown his work around the world and across 5 continents. He has made over 3,000 murals.

His art focuses on fraternal messages and utilizes hyper-realistic images with strong, contrasting colors.

The boy in Magical Connections (Conexões Mágicas) represents both Kobra’s son and his own inner child. Kobra was also inspired by the “dreams come true” atmosphere of Walt Disney World Resort. While the mural was made for everyone, he is particularly proud to know that Brazilians will find a little piece of their country at Disney Springs.

Nani Chacon – Giving Land Back

Nanibah “Nani” Chacon is a Dine (Navajo) and Chicana artist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chacon received her Bachelor of Education from the University of New Mexico in 2003 and has worked as a painter, muralist, educator and activitist.

Her work has been recognized for its unique style and attention to site-specific content, and the integration of socio-political issues effecting women and indigenous peoples. Nani believes that art should be accessible and a meaningful catalyst for social change.

Nani says, “This piece centers on the Coontie/Kunti plant, also known as Arrowroot, an indigenous plant to Florida. The plant has an origin in the Florida region documented since prehistoric times. The plant can be processed into flour and has been essential to the cultural and survivance of the Seminole or other Indigenous people of the region. This plant is under protection for overharvesting for decorative use, and Indigenous local strands of the plant are nearly depleted. My work serves as a reminder that when we lose a species, we lose culture, history, language sustenance and knowledge.”

Don Rimx – Flor de Oro

Don Rimx is a classically trained fine artist originally from the island of Puerto Rico.

Don is inspired by the different cultures of the world and the development of the urban landscape. His goal is to continue developing and constructing images that carry a story. Don’s technique is a mixture of acrylic paint and spray paint.

For this mural, he wanted to design a piece that represented his Puerto Rican heritage. In FLOR DE ORO, he utilized images, characters and symbols which identify this rich culture.

Don says, “Flor de Oro is inspired by the strength and beauty of the Latin American and Caribbean cultures. It is an ode to our ancestors and a metaphor that refers to a type of alchemy and internal transformation. The light symbolizes our awareness, creativity and passion for all things that unite us in life. For this mural, I wanted to design a piece that represented my Puerto Rican culture. I accomplished this through the usage of images, characters, and symbols with which I feel clearly identify our rich culture. The use of a vibrant color palette that complements the image is one of the elements that is constantly expressed in my work and serves as a reference to the light and tropical landscape of my island.”

Leo Gomez – You Warm My Heart

Leo Gomez is a lettering artist and muralist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He creates murals using hand-drawn lettering, bright colors and fun messages to bring a sense of happiness. For the past 7 years, he’s had the pleasure to collaborate with some amazing clients transforming blank walls into inspiring and colorful spaces.

Leo says, “My piece is called You Warm My Heart and features large lettering over a colorful fade background. The colors were inspired by the theme parks of Disney. They are good mix of wonder and magic! And the heartwarming message is representative of family and friends spending time together at the Disney parks. It’s a way of showing love for those we cherish!”

Leah Abucayan – Umunlad

Leah Abucayan is a Sacramento native who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and her dog, Pepe. She studied Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She currently works as an illustrator and graphic designer for the CNN Digital Art Department. Previously, she interned at Walt Disney Imagineering designing print collateral and environmental signage for Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line.

Duct tape is one of her favorite mediums and she uses it to create custom portraits. Her mission is to make a positive impact on the world by inspiring others with her art and passion for design.

Leah says, “I call this piece Umunlad which, when translated, means “flourish” or “thrive” in Tagalog. This piece speaks for every little kid with big dreams who strives to become an artist when they grow up. It’s a story of progress, embracing the journey, finding inspiration in your experienes and culture, and sharing your growth and wisdom with the world.”

Chad Mize – Say It Without Saying It

Chad Mize is a multimedia artist, designer and muralist residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. He took an early interest in art—and went on to earn his BFA in Visual Communications at the University of Mississippi.

In 2010, Mize opened BLUELUCY, a gallery in St. Petersburg, where he represented over 450 local and national artists. When the gallery closed in 2015, Mize founded Chizzy—his own lifestyle and design brand. His contributions to the thriving St. Petersburg art scene also include working on the SHINE Mural Festival, which brings artists from around the world to paint murals in St. Petersburg. In 2018, Mize opened the MIZE gallery in the Historic Uptown neighborhood of St. Petersburg.

He says, “I’m calling this piece Say It Without Saying It. In this current 2022 climate of what’s going on in Florida, I wanted to create a piece that is true to me. My most natural form of myself. These characters and icons are me! Images I draw all the time. I want to stand for my community and say it without saying it!

Stacey Aoyama – Family Journey (in collaboration with Eric Tan)

Stacey Aoyama is an illustrator and designer working for Disney Consumer Products. She graduated from the University of California in San Diego with a degree in Visual Arts and attended Art Center College of Design as an illustration major. Growing up in the Bay Area, her career ambitions included astronaut, ballerina, orthodontist and more. However, her consistent passion for drawing and being creative prevailed, and she feels very lucky and humbled to be working for Disney.

Stacey says, “Family Journey is inspired by our families and pays homage to the respective journeys they took to build our lives in America. Eric and I are of mixed race, and chose to represent our countries of origin: the Philippines, Japan and France. The last panel represents America and how our families continue to evolve and grow with each new generation.”

Eric Tan – Family Journey (in collaboration with Stacey Aoyama)

Eric grew up in San Diego, California on a steady diet of Disney animation, Star Wars action figures and Marvel comic books. His passion for art was sparked after seeing The Jungle Book when he was 3 years old. Eric is a graduate of Art Center College of Design and has been a designer at Disney Consumer Products for more than 20 years.

Eric says, “Magic to me is when something special happens that brings a smile to your face and excitement into your heart.”

Laci Jordan – The Black Family (June 2022 to February 2023)

Laci Jordan is a multidisciplinary designer, illustrator, Creative Director––and the true definition of a modern-day Renaissance woman. Laci’s work concentrates on color, pop culture, the representation of marginalized people and the intersectionality that exists amongst all of these spheres. Her works act as a portal into the world as she sees it. From her use of vibrant colors to her exploration of a world filled with captivating people of color, her work reflects her deep commitment to creating authentic and unapologetic portrayals of contemporary culture.

Laci was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and currently resides in Los Angeles.

She says magic is, “A feeling. The impossible becoming possible. Your wildest dreams coming true. Serendipity. Love. Faith.”

Dom Corona – Proud Original (June 2022 to May 2023)

For Dom Corona, it all started with a pencil. And a mouse. Visiting Walt Disney World Resort for the first time at age 5, he took his autograph book and drew his first Mickey.

His love for everything Disney grew. On a trip in 2008, an artist drew Donald Duck for him, adding the words, “To Dominick, future Disney artist”—and a dream was born. After his Disney College Program in 2016, he returned to New York and set out to build a portfolio of large-scale pieces. In 2021, he was asked to be part of the Disney Creators Lab. Now, this self-taught artist is impassioned to embark on a new journey with Disney Fine Art.

Dom’s work encapsulates the magic of Disney with textured brushstrokes, a keen eye for color and an explosive and unique style. 

Dom says, "This piece titled Proud Original is about embracing one's true being and appreciating self-worth. Over the years, we've seen the world's most beloved character (Mickey Mouse, of course) change and evolve in so many ways––yet he only becomes more loved and more valuable. Applying this theory to our own lives, it's so important to be most proud of whoever you currently are as nobody can discount value you've given yourself. I chose classic Mickey Mouse as my vessel for this message to root Pride into his earliest iterations. As for his Sorcerer hat—everyone can use a little magic!”

Everett Spruill – I Sings da Blues (June 2022 to June 2023)

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Everett Spruill was raised in a creative household and was drawing and painting at an early age. Spending afternoons in the Birmingham Museum of Art drawing African artifacts helped shape the direction of all his future creations. But it was a Picasso exhibition that inspired the Berea College graduate to seriously entertain the idea of a career in the arts.

Spruill has created works using increasingly complex variations of recycled and repurposed material, focusing on jazz as a central theme and influenced by the Civil Rights movement and growing up in Birmingham. His contemporary abstract paintings—created with fabric, acrylic, enamel, found objects and recycled paper—fill the canvas with a multitude of feelings and memories of the past and present. Ultimately, he hopes to provide a view of the African-American experience as expressed through his perspective and visual aesthetic.

He says, “Documenting the history of jazz and blues is one of my greatest passions. The first time I heard Gregory Porter, I was compelled to celebrate his amazing talent. Listening to his soulful voice comforted me. Inspired me.”