It was a very special time for Bob Olszewski and his brother Ray when they both traveled to Orlando, Florida for this special signing event. It had been two years since Bob had met and greeted enthusiastic Disney World collectors and guests. At that time in August 2006, Bob released the beginnings of the Walt Disney World Main Street, U.S.A. collection. The three items previously included:
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City Hall and Engine Co. 71 Firehouse |
Cinderella Castle |
Town Square |
Retail: $220 |
Retail: $250 |
Retail: $135 |
Where to buy?
For larger images and the entire collection released to date click here.
About the Event:
On June 28 and 29, 2008, Bob met and greeted several hundred excited collectors who lined up at each of the two different signing events; one at Uptown Jewelers Main Street, U.S.A. and at the Art of Disney, Down Town Disney. The first day was at Uptown Jewelers where Disney sold and Bob signed hundreds of pieces for the Main Street, U.S.A. and the new product line called Gallery of Light®. Some collectors had arrived early while other guests not knowing who Bob Olszewski was also fell into line to meet him. Falling to Bob's charm, wit, and artistry immediately captured old and new collectors. Old collectors asked many questions which Bob honestly and easily answered about the art and the future of the WDW Main Street, U.S.A. collection. Throughout the two days, there were many new collectors who became instant Olszewski fans purchasing a surprise amount of both the Main Street buildings and the new Gallery of Light®.
The three new Main Street, U.S.A. items released at the event included:
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Exposition Hall and Tony's Town Square Restaurant Day Time |
Exposition Hall and Tony's Town Square Restaurant Night Time |
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The Chapeau and Main Street Confectionary Day Time |
The Chapeau and Main Street Confectionary Night Time |
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Central Plaza Day Time |
Central Plaza Night Time |
In addition, Bob and Ray showed off two new Main Street buildings that Walt Disney World intends to release for an upcoming Olszewski Signing Event in September 2008 that will include: Emporium with Car Barn and Barber Shop and the Main Street Cinema and Uptown Jewelers. Release announcements for this event will be made in the future and if you want to be notified, please go to the Olszewski Studios web site and provide us with your contact information.
During the event, Bob and Ray and the terrific Walt Disney World staff who supported us throughout the entire time we were there, engaged themselves in telling those waiting in line the history of Bob and Disney as well as showing them colored photographs of the Walt Disney World - Main Street, U.S.A. Collection. Future releases include the following which will be announced when appropriate:
Main Street Railroad Station
Emporium (upper end) with Main Street Athletic Club
Main Street Market House ~Disney Clothiers ~ Main Street Bakery
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor ~ The Plaza Restaurant
Casey's Corner
No event can be successful without enthusiastic, inquisitive people. This was a special time where Bob and that dedicated collector get to exchange stories about themselves, why they like his art, and why they collect. Many offered that they can bring Main Street into their homes and share the joy and fun this magical place gives them. To meet one of the many Disney Artists is an additional treat for them. And, they did! Bob shook hands with friendly, happy, and charming people asking "have you seen my work before?" Some gleefully replied they are avid collectors stating they have everything he made. Others not meeting or knowing about Bob Olszewski were entranced with his detailed work commenting "I've not seen such art like this before" and they soon too became collectors.
June 28, 2008 Signing
I wandered around the lines also shaking hands introducing myself at The Brother and the Olszewski Studios Web Master. I took many pictures of many smiling faces if your picture is not here, we apologize.
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Guests on their way to the Bob Olszewski Signing Event |
Marquee Tent Sign announcing the Olszewski Signing Event in front of Uptown Jewelers |
Collectors lining up to meet Bob Olszewski |
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Bob and Tony from New York pose with Bob Olszewski |
Collectors meet Bob Olszewski and have their purchases signed |
Collectors standing in line to meet the Artist |
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Beautiful Muniza meets Bob Olszewski. Her parents are Pakistani and Malaysian. |
The Faulkners from Davidson, North Carolina finally get to meet Bob Olszewski. |
Long time collector and friend Jeanette Ferrante from New York meet with Bob and Ray after 15 years |
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This happy family meets Bob Olszewski for the first time. |
Mary Poppins cast members even came to meet Bob |
Walt Disney World's staff who were instrumental in making the event a huge success! Thanks to everyone! Bob and Ray Olszewski |
June 29, 2008 Signing at Art of Disney at Down Town Disney
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Collectors waiting patiently to meet Bob Olszewski |
Collectors enjoying the moment about to meet the artist and have their new purchases signed. |
Now here is one happy owner of a signed Olszewski piece of art. |
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IUP Student meets Alumni Bob Olszewski |
Shoppers examine the Olszewski Gallery of Light product line. |
Collectors chatting with Olszewski while he signs their new purchases |
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The Walt Disney World Team and Bob Olszewski |
A new Olszewski Collector and her younger sister gets to meet the artist. |
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That all folks! See you at the next signing event.