The tiki torches are finally going dark. The Godfathers of Polynesian Pop and exotica, LeRoy Schmaltz and Bob Van Oosting, are retiring—and with them, a legacy over 65 years in the making, comes to a close.
It’s hard to overstate just how important Oceanic Arts has been to the world of Tiki. Since 1956, owners Schmaltz and Van Oosting have been creating and selling tiki- and Polynesian-inspired art, decor, mugs and kitsch to restaurants, hotels and movie studios the world over. Located in Whittier, CA, the specialty warehouse and artisan studio has been more influential in the promotion and spread of tiki culture than just about anyone else. They are the World’s Largest Supplier of Tropical and Polynesian Décor…. well, until now, that is.
Their creations—including large tiki totems, outrigger canoes, tropical shells, illuminated puffer fish, tiki lights, mugs, thatch, carvings and head-hunter skulls—have been seen onscreen in such productions as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies and the TV series “CSI: Miami,” and that gem of mid-century nostalgia, “Gilligan’s Island.” But perhaps their most famous contributions are the characters, decor and iconic art installations they did for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Because let’s face it, Disney’s The Enchanted Tiki Room probably did more to introduce generations to the joys of the South Seas than almost any other influence, and Oceanic Arts was the engine behind that attraction. They also contributed to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the ever-popular Trader Sams Tiki Bars on both coasts. Trader Vic’s is a longtime customer.
Which is why the closing event of Oceanic Arts was such an important—and momentous—event! And wow, what a party it was! From the opening music and history sessions, to the recreation of THE TIKIS stage show and a traditional luau dinner, this was a party befitting the Kings of Tiki. The Tikis, a passion project of Danny Balsz, was a Southern California dreamland for a time during the 60s and 70s. A massive entertainment complex, adorned with tikis, volcanos, waterways, South Seas flair and a polynesian dinner show, it saw crowds of up to 3,000 people nightly during its heyday. And on this evening, we celebrated this grand tiki playground and how Oceanic Arts (another grand tiki playground) was instrumental in its creation.
Here’s a taste of that awesome event:
Here’s a gallery of images from the closing night at the legendary Oceanic Arts…. Aloooooha!
