Chihuly at Artpark, 1975

In 1975, Chihuly was invited as artist-in-residence with Seaver Leslie at Artpark, an annual arts program in Lewiston, New York, near Niagara Falls. For about ten days in late summer, Chihuly and Seaver collaborated on a series of temporary site-specific installations using handblown sheets of stained glass placed both indoors and in the landscape.
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WHO IS CHIHULY?
The world knows Chihuly as a glass artist. But that is just one facet of his life. Join us to see the many ways he expresses his creativity and impacts the lives of others.
Chihuly the Multimedia Artist
Chihuly is not bound by the limitations of any one medium. A natural innovator, he continuously experiments with media and new ways to explore ideas and realize his vision. Over the years, his unique methods have allowed him to create artwork in unexpected and unconventional ways. Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Multimedia-Artist
Boundless Ideas
Chihuly's ideas are big ones, often stretching the limits of his chosen media. Chihuly fills ceilings with colorful glass, sets his glass alongside nature in botanical gardens, and turns old wooden boats into vessels for vibrant glass sculptures. And he experiments with non-traditional materials and methods. For more than a half century Chihuly has employed a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, graphite, neon, ice, and Polyvitro to explore possibilities and realize his vision. Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Works
Letting Glass be the Guide
Traditional glass factory production was about symmetry and creating perfectly formed vessels. Chihuly pioneered a new way of working, utilizing gravity and centrifugal force to let molten glass find its shape in its own organic way. Asymmetry and irregularity is a defining principle of his work. Chihuly experiments often and is unafraid of failure. Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Trailblazer
Works on Paper
Drawing is second nature to Chihuly and it has long been core to his creative process. It is a spontaneous and dynamic way to express himself and communicate design ideas to others. Incorporating graphite, charcoal, and watercolor and acrylic paints-even non-traditional materials like tea, coffee and wine-Chihuly's "Drawings" have become significant works of art in their own right. “Drawing is a fluid process, like glassblowing is a fluid process."-CHIHULY Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Drawings
Public Exhibitions
Chihuly creates unexpected experiences in unlikely places. He has presented formidable and complex public exhibitions all over the world - from Venice, to Jerusalem, to Montreal. From 1994 to 1996, the artist worked with glassblowers in Finland, Ireland, Mexico, and Italy to create "Chihuly Over Venice". Chihuly’s most ambitious public exhibition, "Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000", was seen by more than one million visitors to the Tower of David Museum. Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Exhibitions
Art is for Everyone
An advocate for beauty and institutions, Chihuly is passionate about making art accessible and enjoyable for people around the world, from all walks of life. His exhibitions and installations bring art to the public on a grand scale in surprising and disarming ways, inviting interest and interaction. Learn more: bit.ly/Chihuly-Advocate
Hot Shop Heroes: Healing with Fire
In appreciation of our armed forces, Chihuly partnered with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington to create the "Hot Shop Heroes" program, which provides a vital creative outlet for veterans and soldiers with physical and mental injuries.
Hilltop Artists for Youth
In response to a growing need in the community, Chihuly co-founded "Hilltop Artists" in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. For more than twenty years, this glass arts program has served as a refuge for youth ages 12 to 20 from diverse backgrounds. It transforms lives through the power of art and mentorship, serving more than 650 public school students every year.
Bringing Art to Overlooked Communities
Chihuly supports several arts programs that help people in need. In 1991, he founded "Seniors Making Art", giving older adults access to free art lessons. The program grew to serve seniors across the country, encouraging their artistic expression and deepening their sense of connection to others. In addition, Chihuly supports Seattle’s "Path with Art" program, serving people recovering from, and living in, homelessness.
Dale & Leslie Chihuly Foundation
The Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation was formed in 2009 with a mission to inspire and educate the public regarding all forms of art, and to provide support to artists and arts organizations. Learn More: bit.ly/Chihuly-Foundation