Carnival Chandelier, 2008, Chihuly Collection
(close up) Carnival Chandelier, 2008, Dale Chihuly Collection
Azul de Medianoche Chandelier, 2004
(close up) Azul de Medianoche Chandelier, 2004
Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, 2010
It is wonderful going on vacation, isn’t it? There are two aspects to vacation for me: 1. Relaxing with family and 2. Discovering/exploring/learning something or someplace new. I had the pleasure of visiting my family in Florida over Christmas. It was wonderful to get to spend time with family, especially over Christmas! We also ventured out to see the Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida. What a collection!
I only learned about Dale Chihuly this past April when my daughter and I came across his work while visiting the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (I wrote about that here). During that visit, I learned that his work is renowned around the world! Interestingly, this building at the Morean Arts Center was purpose built to hold this collection of Chihuly’s work. They showed a documentary film which covered all of Chihuly’s work, which was fascinating to watch. It was so interesting to learn how his collections come about. First of all, he works in teams made up of anywhere from 5 to 18 people, although the concepts and ideas are his. He also doesn’t usually handle the glass, as he only has vision in one eye following an accident from years ago. He is a prolific drawer and painter, and from those drawings and paintings come forth the ideas for new collections. It is an incredible, fast paced, constantly evolving process.
The Morean Arts Center also has a studio and ‘hot shop’ just across the street from the museum where they give blown glass demonstrations. This gives a wonderful perspective on the process of how the items are created and how unique each one is. It is well worth the visit!
Our teenage girls also enjoyed seeing the collection and the demonstration, making it a successful family outing! 🙂
I hope you enjoy the pictures, although I’d highly recommend seeing the collection in person!
In Peace,
Dana
blown glass creations in the ceiling between show rooms (Chihuly Collection) Morean Arts Center
Float Boat, 2007 Gift of Bill and Hazel Hough
Float Boat, 2007 Gift of Bill and Hazel Hough
Dale Chihuly’s drawings
Venetians
Venetians
Venetians
Venetians
Venetians
pieces from the Chihuly collection at the Morean Arts Center
Silvered White Spotted Ikebana with Gilded Purple Stems, 2006
Silvered White Spotted Ikebana with Gilded Purple Stems, 2006
Sunset Persian Wall – 2010
Sunset Persian Wall – 2010
The Mille Fiori (Italian for a thousand flowers) display is simply breathtaking!
Mille Fiori – 2010
Mille Fiori – 2010
Mille Fiori – 2010
Mille Fiori 2010
The demonstration in the ‘hot shop’ brought the experience to life! It is very much worth going to see!
demonstration of blown glass at the ‘hot shop’
demonstration of blown glass at the ‘hot shop’
Family selfie before the demonstration!
Mom in the Garden 
truly beautiful and amazing
Happy New Year Susan! I so agree – and so much more amazing in person. 🙂
Thanks for letting us know about the Dale Chihuly exhibit. If we drive over to the west coast, I’ll definitely put it on our list of things to do. I’m glad you got to spend time with your family at Christmas.
Happy New Year Karen! Definitely worth the visit. It was just a 45 minute drive for us. It’s nice to find something interesting to do and see while away. 🙂