Backyard Things That Are Fun to Build

Ray Wallace has loved to build and draw ever since he was a child. Raised in Corona Del Mar, California, Ray spent many happy hours dreaming up and building "backyard things" with his neighborhood buddies. Inexpensive, educational and pure fun, these scrap-lumber creations became one of his passions.Through this early creative play, Ray developed many practical skills which served him well later in life. As a teenager, Ray became the first boy scout in the United States to achieve eagle scout twice (eagle scout & quarter master). As a reward, Ray was selected for a "hunting excursion" across the South Seas in the expedition ship Stranger. It was 1934 and World War II was on the horizon. To Ray's surprise, he discovered the "excursion" was secretly charting the South Seas in preparation for conflict!Eventually, Ray put his drawing skills to work as staff artist for the Copley newspaper chain. After establishing his own advertising agency, Ray needed a "keep-busy" project between jobs. He began to sketch all the wonderful "Backyard Things" he had loved and made as a youngster. The result is the one-of-a-kind book, "Backyard" Things That Are Fun To Build!Over the years, Ray has continued to design and build. One of his many designs for the amusement industry is the Columbia Sailing Ship located in the Rivers of America at Disneyland(. In fact, Ray was designated honorary captain of the Columbia by Walt Disney in 1958.Today, Ray Wallace, renowned designer, artist, architect, licensed master mariner and ocean-racing yachtsman, is founder and C.E.O. of Special Productions, Inc. in San Pedro, California, a world leader in design, architecture and construction for entertainment park and recreation industries. Ray's international roster of clients includes: Six Flags(, Sea World(, Knott's Berry Farm(, The Walt Disney Company( and many more. A reputable award-winning artist, specializing in representational fine art, Ray Wallace is unique in his comprehension of art and architecture and its influential effect on people.