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TWO (2) CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS FROM THE MARRIOTT KONA KAI CHICAGO ENTRYWAY.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 500.00 USD
TWO (2) CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS FROM THE MARRIOTT KONA KAI CHICAGO ENTRYWAY.
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(1970s) At the tail end of the mid-century Tiki boom, perhaps the last truly epic development was the Marriott hotel chain's KONA KAI location at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. This restaurant and bar was as lavish as any Poly-Pop temple of the Golden Era in the late 50s-early 60s. A frivolously glorious amount of custom work was commissioned to Oceanic Arts in an attempt to keep the Tiki fires rolling. This Kona Kai location attempted to bring back the glory of their flagship location in Philadelphia, PA. OA created tikis, panels, lighting and all manner of signage for Chicago. These drawings in the next few lots represent a creative suggestion by LeRoy Schmaltz to add some 'South Seas panache' to the building's escalator stairway entrance leading to the main dining room. Using these drawings, LeRoy created massive 8-foot tall carved storyboard panels. The designs feature an elaborate series depicting "a composite of myth and reality of Polynesian history." Every one of these large panels were both designed and single-handedly carved by LeRoy Schmaltz. Here are his original ink design drawings. Absolutely a testament to both Kona Kai's commitment to Tiki and LeRoy's sheer creative audacity. 12"x8.5" each. VG+ with minimal wear.