Chihuly Garden and Glass - Seattle, Washington

The photos in this post were taken by the Dining Companion's hermana

Along with our visit to the Space Needle, the Dining Companion's hermana and I, visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. The exhibit is near the Space Needle and you can purchase one ticket that includes both attractions.

Dale Chihuly studied glass working at the University of Wisconsin, the RI School of Design and the Venini glass factory in Venice, Italy. Chihuly, a native of Washington, was invited to create a glass installation in the city of Seattle. His design included an Exhibition Hall, a Garden installation and a Glasshouse.

The artist's signature

In 1976 Chihuly was in a car accident. In the accident he lost the vision in his left eye. He continued to blow glass after his recovery until he dislocated a shoulder surfing in 1979. No longer able to hold the glass blowing instruments he began a cooperative phase of his work that involved his oversight and ideas with the physical work being done by others.

Out of this loss came the Drawing Walls; a way for the artist to convey his thoughts and ideas to his team.

The exhibit is amazing. The beauty of it is breathtaking.

These Ikebana and Float Boats are the only things lit in a dark room. The effect is stunning.

Chihuly's work can also be seen at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. His piece titled “Fiori di Como” hangs from the lobby ceiling.

Picture of the artist with “Fiori di Como” Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada - Photo from the Las Vegas Review-Journal

I'm a fan of the artist and was thrilled to get a chance to see this exhibit. I haven't had a chance to visit the installation at the Bellagio but it is on my list. If you're in Seattle make the time to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. It's a definite must see.

Happy travels!

NOTE: Next week we wind up our journey with a trip to Pike Place Market and the original home of Starbucks coffee. After that it's fun in the Big Easy.