Showcasing Local Artist on Local Turf

Vivid colors and organic shapes come to mind when you mention the name Chihuly. I fell in love with his works long before that name became an international synonym for modern blown glass. Yes, Chihuly holds his own amongst all of his famous glass-making predecessors. 

A few weeks ago I took a Saturday afternoon to visit the new exhibition, Chihuly Garden and Glass, at the Seattle Center. Sited just below the Space Needle, the collection takes a rightful seat among Seattle's legendary historical icons.

You might be surprised to learn that Dale is an avid collector of Northwest Native American woven baskets, trade blankets, and Pendleton Woolen Mills blankets. I first saw his Northwest collection at his famous Boathouse on  North Lake Union where I was privileged to be in the company of then U.S. National Women's soccer coach, Tony DiCicco and national team player and Olympic Gold and Silver medal winner, Tiffeny Milbrett. We sat at the single-slab fir table which spans some 86' and is lighted by seven of his chandeliers. It was a magical night. The Northwest Room boasts a similar table displaying basket-inspired glass bowls.

As you move through the inside exhibition you'll see Dale's inspiration paintings and other sprinklings of his design process but mostly his fabulous glass creations. One of my favorites was the Sealife Room. 

If you've ever been to a Chihuly exhibition, you'll be familiar with the ceilings he creates with thousands of bowls, baskets, and odds & ends. Lit from behind they create a colorful swirling collage of glass and form. This display in named "Persian Ceiling".

A few years back I attended a private function on the grounds of an estate in Medina on the shores of Lake Washington where a Chihuly installation was the focal point. Dale had made a delightful display in old wooden row boats floating just off shore. These (or similar) are now displayed here in the Ikebana and Float Boat room.

Have you ever walked around in downtown Seattle or Bellevue? Then you have for certain seen one of Dale's fabulous chandeliers hanging around whether you recognized it or not. If you noticed it you were sure to be impressed! 

Once you've meandered through the Exhibition Hall and it's nine rooms you'll find yourself gazing upwards as you enter the Glasshouse. The disk chandelier that spans the house glows from the sun's rays and takes on its own sun-like qualities. Like sparks falling to earth from a sun flare...and then you notice it. A space ship floating amongst the sparks.

And thus you transition from inside to outside and the gardens.

Coordinated in swaths of complimentary and contrasting colors each space has been thoughtfully planted and designed. Chihuly's penchant for organic shapes lends his pieces for garden use.

His glass creations mimic nature's forms which takes your imagination on a journey of interpretation. I know I've seen this gaggle of birds on the National Geographic channel, right?

While in Scottsdale one year, I attended the Desert Botanical Garden's exhibition of Chihuly where we stayed until sundown to see the installation lighted. The DBG purchased three of these spike columns for permanent display. They are just as much at home in the desert garden as they this one is here. I plan to come back and see the Seattle Center display at night.

Tucked among Black Mondo Grass this spotted ball seems to be lying in a nest...the egg of some unknown creature.

As not to rush your exploration, an outdoor cafe provides refreshment and invites reflection.

In the words of Dale Chihuly, "I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in a way they have never experienced." You won't be disappointed by this display even if you've seen other Chihuly exhibitions. For me the complexity of his design and array of color will never be dulled by over-exposure!

Lydia