Editor’s Notes: Architect David Price AIA, who lives in Laguna Niguel, is president of Ryman Arts, a nonprofit arts education program entering its 35th Anniversary Year, transforming the lives of a diverse community of young artists through self-expression, rigorous education in fundamental art skills, and mentoring, preparing them for a life of learning in the creative economy.
“If I can help provide a place to develop the talent of the
future, I think I will have accomplished something.”
— Walt Disney
Decades ago, when Disneyland was still a twinkle in Walt Disney’s eye, he hired my dad, Harrison “Buzz” Price, to recommend a site for a place soon known as “the Happiest Place on Earth.”
Dad was a bright young Stanford Business School graduate. After plenty of study and number crunching, he proposed a site in Orange County as the future home of Disneyland—putting Anaheim on the map. Some have called my dad the “godfather of theme park feasibility.” He would probably chuckle at that, but it’s true—he conducted projects all over the world, including more than 66 major economic feasibility studies for Disney. Eventually, Disney honored him as a Disney Legend with his own “Window on Main Street” at Disneyland’s City Hall.
The Art of Mentorship
My father’s close association with Walt Disney gave him a front-row seat to the magic of visual storytelling. He saw how Walt created his animated masterpieces and the first-ever theme park by surrounding himself with the finest artists, designers, and innovative thinkers he could find. But Walt didn’t stop there—he used his television programs and theme park attractions to inspire and inform, encouraging his audience to prepare for the future. He also made sure his artists had ongoing opportunities to hone their craft and, in turn, teach others to pursue their creative passions.
A Pencil, a Paintbrush, and a Path Forward
That spirit of mentorship touched our family directly. When I was in high school, my parents encouraged me to follow my interest in drawing by enrolling in pre-college studies at Chouinard Art Institute, whose faculty included many of Disney’s best artists. During two 12-week sessions, I learned the fundamentals of drawing and painting from professional instructors. More importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to express my ideas and developed the discipline to carry through creative challenges. Those lessons served me well in my academic journey at Pomona College and Harvard Graduate School of Design—and later as an architect, designer, and head of Price Leisure Group.
I’ll always be grateful that my parents didn’t just open doors for me—I love that they followed Walt Disney’s example of creating a place where future talent could grow. Honoring their beloved friend, the late Disney Imagineer Herbert Dickens Ryman, my parents partnered with close friends and Disney family to establish Ryman Arts in 1990. Their vision was simple: give promising teen artists rigorous studio instruction, creative guidance, and a supportive community—and then, as my dad liked to say, “let the grass grow.”
From Twelve Students to Thousands
The first Ryman Arts class welcomed just 12 students. Today, 35 years later, the program has engaged more than 41,000 Southern California teens, including community engagement efforts to over 33,000 under-resourced students. Nearly all Ryman Arts graduates pursue higher education, with many working in creative industries—and all are better prepared for personal and professional success. Our culturally diverse community of teens comes from over 190 zip codes across five counties in Southern California, with more than 80% attending public and Title-1 schools where access to arts education is limited.
A Homegrown Legacy
As board president of Ryman Arts, I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of the founders and continue this important work. Alongside extraordinary directors, an esteemed Advisory Board and a dedicated staff, we provide weekend studio classes at Otis College of Art and Design and California State University, Fullerton. This summer, we’ll return to the University of Southern California to offer weekday studio classes, and in 2026, we plan to launch a weekday pilot program for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
I’m especially proud of our programs in Orange County, a place my wife Alicia and I have called home while raising our family. Through my architectural practice, I’ve contributed to projects across the region—from designing the Buena Park Auto Mall and working on Downtown Brea’s architectural plans to serving as the architect for local churches and restaurants. My work has also included The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Newport Beach and Tustin, as well as the Great Park Millennium III Plan for the City of Irvine. Being able to give back through Ryman Arts in the community we love is especially meaningful.
AI: The New Brush in the Toolkit
These days, there’s a lot of talk about artificial intelligence and whether it will replace artists. But I see AI as just another brush for creative thinkers. A solid foundation in the arts prepares you to navigate new tools like AI—because when you understand creativity, you’re always ready to paint outside the lines. AI may fill in some blanks, but it can’t replace imagination, intuition, or the human touch.
Creating the Future, Together
Orange County has long been a place where dreams are born—from visionaries like Walt Disney to the next generation of creative talent. Our future depends on our ability to inspire, nurture, and empower the dreamers and doers of tomorrow. At Ryman Arts, we’re committed to doing just that—and we invite others who share our vision to join us.
Art provides the connective tissue that brings people of diverse talents and visions together. It’s also a powerful tool for healing and hope. In times of hardship, like the recent tragic fires that devastated nearby communities, we see how the creative spirit helps rebuild lives and restore optimism. Art and artists do that.
A huge segment of our economy is powered by the creative industries. This is about more than drawing and painting—it’s about developing creative problem-solving skills, learning to tell stories, and becoming a bridge builder to a better tomorrow. Ryman Arts and Orange County can be a wellspring for that new talent.
Ryman Arts transforms lives. You can learn more by visiting RymanArts.com. Let’s do what Walt and my dad did—dream big, lift others up, and create the future together. Join us during our 35th Anniversary Year and help us develop the talent of tomorrow.
