The Weird World of Rolly Crump

Panel and Book Signing

November 11th, 2023

5 - 7 PM

Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA

Join us for an evening of enchanted tales inspired by Disney Legend Rolly Crump, the beloved Imagineer and artist whose imagination knew no bounds. This magical evening, led by Rolly's son, Chris Crump, unites a medley of Rolly's friends, associates, and ardent enthusiasts.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time with videos, photos, and the spellbinding stories Rolly was known for. 

Take a piece of the Rolly's whimsy home with "The Great Crump Presents His Magic" book. A resplendent homage to Rolly, this image-filled tome is the quintessential festive gift for every Disney aficionado in your life. And yes, you deserve a copy too! Let Chris and our esteemed panelists personalize it with their signatures. 

For those desiring an extra sprinkle of pixie dust, a limited number of VIP tickets await. These special seats not only guarantee an unparalleled view from the theater's front rows but also gifts you a unique collection of rare Rolly artwork signed by our panelists, and an intimate signing session preceding the main event. Let the magic begin!

Order Your Books:

Books can be ordered in advance and picked up at the event. Make sure you have a copy waiting for you (we'll only have a few extra available at the event). This is your ONLY opportunity to get your book signed by our amazing panel. 

• ORDER YOUR BOOKS HERE  (EVENT TICKET HOLDERS ONLY - USE CODE "MC5" TO HAVE THE BOOK WAITING FOR YOU AT THE EVENT)

Event Panelists: 

Chris Crump - After an illustrious twenty-eight-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering, Chris retired in 2016. As a Production Designer & Field Art Director, he left a mark with projects such as The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure and was part of the team honored with the 2002 Thea Award for Best New Theme Park (Tokyo DisneySea). His contributions extended to Tokyo Disney Resort's Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare and Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek.

Before joining Imagineering, Chris collaborated with his influential father, Rolly Crump, on Knott’s Bear-y Tales at Knott’s Berry Farm, which debuted in 1975. Decades later, a reimagined version, Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, was reintroduced in 2021, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Crump family in the theme park industry.

Thomas Kuntz is a gifted sculptor and automaton maker and founder of Artomic Creations. His inspirations are rooted in silent-era expressionist films, and his distinctive sculptures have led to collaborations with model and toy companies. Thomas's workshop opened in 1996 and has since produced rare mechanical wonders that have been showcased in films such as "Parasomnia" (2008) and Guillermo Del Toro's "Crimson Peak" (2015)—a director who has been collecting Kuntz's pieces since 2009. Notably, several of Thomas's creations were displayed at LACMA and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Profoundly influenced by Rolly Crump since childhood, Thomas's admiration culminated in his 2017 collaboration on the "Museum of the Weird" Gypsy Wagon for the "Rolly Crump: It’s Kind of a Cute Story" exhibit in Oceanside, CA.

Chris Nichols is a longtime preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles magazine. For many years he worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee, serving a term as chairman of the group. In addition to creating tours, exhibitions, and lectures about historic Los Angeles, Nichols has advocated for endangered buildings all over Southern California, including the Cinerama Dome and the world’s oldest McDonald’s in Downey. His books include Walt Disney’s Disneyland for Taschen and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister. He writes the Ask Chris column in Los Angeles magazine and has served on the board of Hollywood Heritage.

George Wyhinny is the current managing director of Baby Tattoo, the publisher of “The Great Crump Presents His Magic.” He joined the Carnival of Art and Magic 10 years ago.  Baby Tattoo is an art publishing house and event production company founded by the late Bob Self.  George started by working in the warehouse and eventually became the tech director and associate producer.   He developed a newfound passion for this Curious Carnival World and is inspired to continue the work, bringing stunning books and jaw-dropping events into the spotlight.  

Dusty Sage is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com, and your host for the evening. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney-related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, is on the board of the Garner Holt Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in the Hollywood Hills.