The 1983 General Electric promotional booklet for Horizons contains a brief feature about artist Robert McCall. McCall, a renowned illustrator of science fiction and science fact, was a constant presence in space-related publications during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. His highly-detailed work helped define the look of futurism in that period, so it was only natural that he be involved in the EPCOT Center project. For Horizons, he painted what has become one of the most iconic pieces of artwork in the park’s history, The Prologue and the Promise – a massive, 19-by-60 foot mural that occupied the pavilion’s exit area for a few short years. Perhaps it’s a tribute to McCall’s piece that it’s so well remembered today, when it only existed for a brief time before being removed to make room for a new display that more directly referenced sponsor General Electric.

Continue reading The Horizons Story, Part II: Robert McCall