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THE mary blair LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM 2026
Description and Overview
Step into the legacy and magic of Mary Blair, the Disney Legend and visionary artist whose groundbreaking work continues to shape the world of animation and design.
This one-of-a-kind, five-month program provides aspiring designers with the resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to develop their playful and artistic voice and push their design boundaries. Through guided exploration of Blair’s fearless use of color, composition, and storytelling, recipients will gain invaluable tools to refine their craft and elevate their work.
With access to financial support, industry professionals, and an immersive learning experience, this scholarship opens doors to professional growth and artistic innovation. Whether you're a design student or a passionate creative, this transformative opportunity will help you build a strong foundation for success while carrying forward Blair’s spirit of bold, imaginative storytelling.
Dream big, create boldly, and let this extraordinary program be the next step in your artistic journey.
2026 Applications
MEET YOUR MENTOR Award winning Art Director Alan Bodner
Alan Bodner is an Emmy Award-winning art director and production designer whose distinguished career spans more than 25 years in animation, working with some of Hollywood’s most respected studios on acclaimed projects for both film and television.
Alongside his work in animation, Alan has developed a remarkable career as an independent artist. His personal work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, reflecting the depth of his artistic vision and his lifelong passion for visual storytelling.
His career is defined by a rare combination of cinematic design, artistic craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of how visual worlds can shape a story.
MEET YOUR MENTOR Award winning author MINDY JOHnSon
Mindy Johnson is an award-winning author, historian, filmmaker, educator, musician and more. Her creative accomplishments reflect the diversity of her talents and experience. A leading expert on women’s roles in animation and film history, Mindy writes and speaks on early cinema, animation, women’s history, and creativity.
Mindy teaches film and animation courses in the Los Angeles area, including a first-of-its-kind course on the history of women in animation based on her continued ground-breaking research, at CalArts — California Institute of the Arts; as well as a balanced approach to Animation History at UCLA School of Theatre Film & Television in Los Angeles, and Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.
PATRONS
Full Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- The number of one-on-one sessions is subject to change based on Pro's schedule.
- Study program over the course of 3 months
- Two Complimentary 4-day Premiere Scholarship Bundles to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Lifetime Professional Membership in CTN Circle
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Aw
- 5-10 Personal one-on-one Zoom Critiques.
- The number of one-on-one sessions is subject to change based on Pro's schedule.
- Study program over the course of 3 months
- Two Complimentary 4-day Premiere Scholarship Bundles to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Lifetime Professional Membership in CTN Circle
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- More awards may be added.
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- One virtual group meeting
- Two Complimentary 4-day Basic Scholarship Bundles to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Lifetime Professional Membership in CTN Circle
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- More awards may be added.
Honorable Mentions
Partial Scholarship Awards
Honorable Mentions
- Two Complimentary 1-Day Community Scholarship Bundle to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- More awards may be added.
Mary Blair (1911-1978)
Mary Blair was an American artist and designer known for her bold use of color, whimsical designs, and imaginative vision. Celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Blair left an indelible mark on Disney animation and theme park design. She worked as a concept artist for Disney’s Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Peter Pan (1953), where her pioneering style helped shape the visual tone and emotional resonance of these beloved films.
A graduate of the Chouinard Art Institute, Blair began her career in fine art before transitioning into animation. Her striking work caught the eye of Walt Disney, who quickly recognized her talent for capturing storybook wonder with dynamic compositions and lush palettes. Blair also played a key role in designing the iconic It’s a Small World attraction, blending multicultural motifs with her signature playfulness and vibrancy, celebrating unity and diversity.
Beyond her Disney career, Blair’s work included illustrations for advertising campaigns and children’s books, most notably I Can Fly and Baby’s House. Blair’s legacy lives on as an inspiration to artists worldwide who see the potential of bold expression, originality, and the beauty of embracing one’s own vision. Inducted as a Disney Legend in 1991, Mary Blair remains a guiding light in the worlds of animation, illustration, and design, celebrated for her ability to infuse color and life into every canvas.
Her influence and design sense can be felt to this day in many modern animated films.