The Chihuly glass exhibition is going to completely change your opinion about art with it being completely made of glass. There certainly are interesting achievements in the world of art, but hearing about so many sculptures made entirely out of glass is something that’s unheard of. Hopefully, the art is able to help you see for yourself what can be accomplished by solely using glass to make sculptures. Yet despite working with such a fragile base, you can convince yourself that these art pieces look like something completely different.
Dale Chihuly’s permanent glass exhibition
The glass exhibition is a great-looking building, and it certainly stands out among everything else in the building. Depending on what time of the year you decide to go there, there could be numerous different exhibitions that are taking place. Right now, there are 3 taking place across the world. The exhibition also has a store where guests can purchase clothes, books, and even glass pieces of art. The sculptures have a real sense of passion in them and if you care about art in the slightest, you be pleased with what’s there.
Where is it?
Right now there are locations all across the world, but the one we’re going to be talking about is in St. Petersburg, Florida. Specifically, the address is listed 720 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. If you live in the Tampa area, you should be able to get there with no problem. There’s also an airport within 3 miles, so if you’re flying from there, you may as well take the opportunity to fly over there. It also has the privilege of being next to the University of South Florida campus along with the St. Petersburg campus.
Who was Dale Chihuly?
Dale Chihuly is one of the most legendary sculptors that’s still alive today. He was born on September 20, 1941 and is currently 79 years old. He grew up in the Tacoma, Washington area alongside his older brother. We don’t know exactly when he started to care about art. But when he was young he would create drawing in his imagination. He eventually wanted to make those drawings a reality, giving them some kind of physical form. In 1965, Chihuly would attend the University of Madison-Wisconsin and get a Master of fine arts degree in 1968.
There he would be taught by great sculptures such as Harvey Littleton and become friends with sculptures who would have their own careers such as Italo Scanga. In 1971, Chihuly would go back home and create his own art school in Stanwood, Washington. There, he would teach the fundamentals of art while also pushing the boundaries for what he could do with sculptures. His work has a wide array of influences and none of it stems from one particular influence. Some of his art is based on Italian influence and other parts of it are based on Native American culture and design.
Opening hours
The Chihuly collection in St. Petersburg is open every day from 10AM-5PM. Except for Sundays when it’s 12PM-5PM. It’s the perfect schedule for those of you who want to travel on vacation or visit the pier. It also services the students attending the University of South Florida go there with friends.
What can you see at Dale Chihuly’s permanent glass exhibition
One of the more famous pieces you can see is the DNA tower, which was made completely out of glass. The piece of artwork imitates the scientific acid in our genetics and gives more of a visual representation. The Navajo blanket is still available in the collection and is one of the first pieces of art that earn Chihuly notoriety among the art world. It’s also a great representation of Native American culture.
The lime green icicle tower has a lot of technical finesse to it, imitating what a real tree would look like with green ice spikes. It’s very impressive from any perspective that you could hope to look to at. The glass tower is one of Chihuly’s taller pieces that he’s made. It reaches almost the entire ceiling and is bursting with color to represent what an explosion would feel like.
Related questions
Q: How can glass be sculpted?
A: Glass is able to be bent in many different ways, allowing for pieces of art that are contorted, while also changing its color.
Q: How long has Dale Chihuly been making art professionally?
A: His first piece of notable art was the Navajo blanket he created back in 1975.
Q: Are there any other locations that he has created in the world.
A: Yes, He’s put locations in Tokyo, Singapore, Toronto, and many other cities across the United States. Eventually, he wants to expand to other locations that would appreciate glass art.
Summary
This is a great collection that any art appreciator can get something out of. Other people may enjoy more traditional kinds of art, but there’s a lot to marvel at with these glass sculptures. What defined the greatest pieces of art at the time they were made were their limitations and Chihuly has chosen the limitation of art. Glass is sensitive, but with the right person who’s willing to put in the time, an incredible piece with the potential to make others marvel at its grace can be created. Art can also serve as a way to inspire and motivate others who may not currently have the confidence to make art.
After a day at the Glass Museum, there’s nothing better than coming back and chilling at your own private oasis. With a private pool, hot tub and direct access to the beach, there no better place for a vacation than the Eiko’s Beach House.
