Opening yesterday in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Chihuly Collection showcases glass wizard Dale Chihuly's unique pieces in a permanent, 10,000 sq. ft. museum designed by architect Albert Alfonso.
This is the first time ever that Chihuly art has been installed in a setting specifically designed for it and the building and installations enhance each other to create a sparkling visitor experience.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1941, Dale Chihuly's early studies in interior design, architecture and sculpture are all apparent in his huge, complex, multipart blown-glass sculptures. Collaborative work at university and in Venice led to his modus operandi of assembling teams of exceptional glassblowers to work on massive installations.
This ultimately changed the Studio Glass movement from its 1960s incarnation of the single artist toiling alone in a studio to one of collaborative effort and much bigger commissions.
Mr. Chihuly's website offers a lot more information on his career, videos, as well as beautiful photographs of major public installations around the world.
Above all, Chihuly is a colorist. Showstopping pieces at the Chihuly Collection museum in St. Petes include the massive Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier along with popular series work like Macchia, Ikebana, Niijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds.
Presented by the Morean Arts Center, the Chihuly Collection also houses a 30-seat theater and a retail boutique. A short distance away, visitors can watch live glassblowing or even try it themselves at the affiliated Glass Studio and Hot Shop.
From a vibrant commercial gallery scene to the Museum of Fine Arts' 4,500 years of art and culture, St. Petersburg has become a top-rated art destination for those who like a little culture with their beach. With the Salvador Dali Museum set to open its brand-new building in January, 2011, St. Petes is poised to become Florida's cultural epicenter.
For more information on the area's attractions as well as accommodation links, visit the official St. Petersburg Clearwater tourism website. Be sure to check out the live beachcam.
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If you would like to see something spectacular by Dale Chihuly here in Toronto, stop by the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel at 318 Wellington Street West and check out the 60-ton custom installation over the entrance. He is also represented in Toronto by Sandra Ainsley Gallery.
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Comments
I fell in love with his work at the Botanical Gardens in Scottsdale, Arizona. I'd love to see this.
Very interesting...I had no idea so much was going on there
I saw his stuff at the New York Botanical Gardens, a good fit because of all the organic shapes.
Great info. Enjoying watching the webcam in St Pete's
wHAT GORGEUS FLUID WORKS OF ART. pLAN TO SEE SOME SOME DAY!
That is not a chandelier, that's an intergalactic craft! Super creative stuff, thanks.
thanks for the dali link, the new building looks incredible
The live beach cam is so much fun! Great link. Looks like St. Petes would be a great place to go this winter...
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