30. Seattle, Washington: Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit at the Space Needle, June 2022

One of the most beautiful exhibits of art glass we have ever seen is located right up the street from where SV JAN was docked for two winters. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit is next to the Seattle Center, directly below the famous Seattle landmark, the Space Needle.  It showcases the glass art of Dale Chihuly who is an American glass artist, best known in the field of blown glass, and large-scale sculptures. This artist and his creations are so amazing that we felt we should dedicate a chapter to this incredible exhibit.

Mr. Chihuly was born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in interior design, he enrolled in the country’s first glass program at the University of Wisconsin. He continued his graduate studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where he stayed to develop their glass program. In 1971, he helped found the Pilchuck Glass School, an international center for art glass education, located in Washington State. He also spent extended time abroad in Murano, Italy and other places in Europe cultivating his artistic style.  Unfortunately, in 1976, a car accident left him blind in one eye, and a few years later, a body surfing accident left him physically unable to hold a glassblowing pipe. Since then he has relied on a team of glass blowers to realize his visions and ideas. Chihuly’s role over the past years was aptly described by San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Erin Glass as “more choreographer than dancer, more supervisor than participant, more director than actor”.

His works have been exhibited in Jerusalem, Venice,Paris, London, Ireland, Australia, England, and numerous places in the United States and, over 400 permanent collections have one or more of his works. He has received numerous awards and medals. Unfortunately, his later years have been complicated by periods of depression and numerous legal battles. 

One thing for sure is that his artistic vision has blossomed in a way that can only be described as incredible. His work is unique. Here below are a few examples of this art exposed in the Chihuly Museum and Garden.