As part of Walt Disney World Resort’s ongoing support to the Orlando Museum of Art, the company is sponsoring From Alice to Zeus: The Art of John Rocco, an exhibit on view now – October 28, 2012.

This is the eighth exhibition in OMA’s Art of the Picture Book Series, and because Rocco is a Disney Hyperion published author this was a unique synergistic opportunity to help OMA present children’s programming.

The exhibit includes more than 60 preparatory drawings and finished illustrations by Rocco as well as rough sketches and doodles offering a “behind the scenes” look at the artist’s creative process.

Rocco studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Following his 1991 graduation he collaborated with actress Whoopi Goldberg in creating the picture book Alice, and he later became a Disney Imagineer.  He designed attractions for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and served as an art director for DisneyQuest.  After returning to New York City in 2004 Rocco began writing and illustrating children’s books–Wolf! Wolf!, Moonpowder, Fu Finds the Way, Blackout– all published by Disney Hyperion Books.  Rocco’s most recent picture book, Blackout (published in 2011 by Disney Hyperion Books), was selected as the 2012 American Library Association Caldecott Honor for most distinguished American picture book for children.

Rocco will appear at the Orlando Museum of Art on September 29 at 1:00 pm for a free presentation and book signing.