Karen Connolly:  

CLASS OF 1965
Karen Connolly's Classmates® Profile Photo
Cheshire High SchoolClass of 1965
Cheshire, CT

Karen's Story

From Cheshire in '65- went to UMass. Graduated in '69. Did a few summers of Summer Stock. Sang in nightclub on Cape Cod. Went to Univ of Wisc (Madison) for MFA in Scenic/Costume Design for Film/Theatre. Got MFA in '72- joined Larkins Associates design firm in St. Louis,Mo and learned about designing theme parks(Busch Gardens,6 Flags, Great Adventures, etc) Got hired by Disney in 1977- for EPCOT Center. Stayed w/ Disney Imagineering in Glendale, Ca. for 27+ years as a concept designer on 8 major theme parks. Favorite was Paris-was Interior Concept Art Director for Frontierland. Least favorite was Disney's California Adventure- I had to bail-hated the concept,hated the politics. Last assignment- Concept Art Director for Main Street, Hong Kong. Still consult-with not only Disney but Universal and Paramount as well. Also for Russian Olympic Committee for Olympic village20...Expand for more
14 Winter Games in Socchi. Now live in Paso Robles, Ca. -big wine country- big horse/cattle country. We have 12 acres- I have my dressage horses- still ride. Also design some specialty homes, some tasting rooms and do alot of custom wine cellars- am doing one in a cave (faux rockwork) right now. I'm semi retired but I cannot put down the pencil! I love to build stuff! Started right with our Jr Prom! Who knew???? Am currently working on a destination resort in San Luis Obispo,Ca. Remodel/re-purposing of a former Arabian Breeding horse ranch ( in the 70's) to a destination weekend /event center. My job is to convert the former show barn into an 8 suite B&B--came up w/ original concepts..then went to a fabulous architectural firm Hamrick& Assoc. Great Gen Contractor--we are in construction- what a puzzle. if you are on Facebook- search La Lomita Ranch..Its pretty fun!
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Yearbooks

Cheshire High School 1963 yearbook cover photo
1963 Yearbook
Cheshire High School
CHESHIRE, CT
Reunions
1965 Cheshire High School Reunion 50 years! reunion event on Aug 8, 2015 image
Aug 8, 2015
Karen was invited to the
1965 Cheshire High School Reunion 50 years!
99 invitees
Calendar icon
Oct 16, 2010
Karen was invited to the
45th Reunion of the Class of 1965
100 invitees

Photos

Karen Connolly's Classmates profile album
Tag & Me in our arena
Just saw this in the University Illinois Chicago UIC Applied Health Sciences Magazine. Its about alumni and friends who established scholarships and the students who received them. This fellowship was established in late 2
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline photos
If you work or worked for The Walt Disney Company, in any capacity, please join the challenge of posting a work photo. Just one picture, no description. Please copy the text in your status, post a picture and look at some g
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Doris Hardoon created a special event for DLP. in France. She took Frank's signature painting of the Paris Castle and had it printed in translucent fabric. This is so lovely. Just wanted to share a look at the event! Fr
Today would have been Frank's 95th Birthday...So many times we would just head for the ocean!
It was 37 years ago. It was yesterday...I remember every moment...so many of you came back from the EPCOT job site to attend..we were so so grateful. A few others were startled! A longtime friend of Frank's- Walt Peragoy
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Wishing you all the very Best this holiday and for the New year also!
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
I said good-bye to a dear Friend this day-We have been together for 27 years. Proud, strong, honest and kind. Handsome, athletic, and so elegant. I think Frank came and got him....
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
Karen Connolly's album, Timeline Photos
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