Universal Studios displays original artwork

Ever wonder how the amazing costumes and props used at Universal Orlando Resort are created? Well, just visit the Orange County Regional History Center, where artifacts from the Art and Design Department at Universal are currently on display. The exhibit, called "The Serious Art of Make-Believe," contains several original pieces used for events such as Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras and holiday extravaganzas.

The impressive 10-foot-long Terra Queen motorcycle from the 2005 Halloween Horror Nights "Tales of Terror" greets visitors as they approach the exhibit. The motorcycle is decorated with bones, fur, wings and other materials, creating a product that is half animal, half machine.

For more than 20 years, Universal's Art and Design Department has thrilled and amazed guests with its props, costumes and ability to make magic come to life. So how do the designers at Universal turn their wildest ideas, like the Terra Queen motorcycle, into reality?

It all begins with the sketches. More than 200 original sketches and drawings by the creative minds at Universal are on display at the History Center. The sketches are of all the things that go into creating the magic and awe of events, like Halloween Horror Nights, and attract visitors to Orlando from all over the country. Drawings of costumes, set designs and props line the halls of the exhibit.

As visitors explore the exhibit, it is explained that these drawings are utilized by computer programs such as Sketchup and AutoCAD. These programs allow the designers to put together a detailed presentation to present for approval. If approved, blueprints and architectural plans are made. Contractors bid on the jobs and, with the designer's supervision, make the idea come to life.

One interesting transformation is that of the Mardi Gras costume, Ultra Violet Day of the Dead. The original sketches show the inception of the idea, and as you venture deeper into the exhibit, you see how the plans developed throughout the process. Finally, you come to the completed product: the actual costume used at Universal.

Overall, more than 1,000 original pieces of artwork are included in the exhibit. Heather Layton, who works for the History Center, said it's very impressive; she especially likes the interactive areas.

Included in the exhibit is a "Find It" area, where visitors can try to spot certain objects, and a "Trace & Draw" station for children that allows them to make their own designs.

"It's really fun," said 10-year-old Abigail Quinones, who was enjoying the exhibit with her family.

The drawing station is accompanied with a video of one of the Universal designers showing how several famous Halloween Horror Nights characters and costumes were created.

"The kids really enjoy the drawing station," History Center employee Sarah Thomas said. "They make some pretty colorful costumes."

Orange County Regional History Center employees, along with Universal Orlando Resort Art and Design Department employees, said their intentions for creating the exhibit were "to encourage Florida's youth to dream big by educating them about the many diverse opportunities in their own community."

"By taking young people behind the scenes of these events and larger-than-life attractions and letting them meet the creative personalities, they have access to an unparalleled ‘classroom' on the occupations involved in producing them – a curriculum of the wide range of talent, education and training attainable to be involved in something extraordinary," Sherry Lewis, director of marketing and public relations said in a press release.

The Orange County Regional History Center is located in the restored historic 1927 courthouse in the center of downtown Orlando. General admission is $9. Admission for students and members of the military is $7, and admission for children ages 5-12 is $6.

"The Serious Art of Make-Believe" is on display now through April 29. For more information call the history center at (407) 836-8500 or visit its webpage, www.thehistorycenter.org.