Chihuly is one of my favorite artists. As a kid, I remember traveling from Fort Wayne to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, which has a large Chihuly sculpture in the center of the museum. I loved looking at the bright colors, interesting shapes, and unique designs. Chihuly became even more impressive when I learned that Chihuly is blind in one eye and unable to form his own glass because of a shoulder injury. He explains to other glass artists what to do, and they actually create the pieces.
Niijima Floats by Chihuly
Since then, I’ve seen Chihuly work at other locations around the country, but I’m very excited to see his art at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. While the museum always has a great collection, it’s rare for us to get such a celebrity artist in Fort Wayne. The museum will have two exhibitions—the first, Chihuly: Secret Garden, incorporates Chihuly’s glass pieces with elements from nature. The second exhibition, The Chihuly Effect: Pushing the Boundaries of Studio Glass, showcases work inspired by Chihuly’s glass-blowing and design work. In addition, the museum will also have Habatat Presents: 41st Annual International Glass Invitational, the largest annual contemporary glass exhibition in the country.
Seeing Chihuly’s work up close is a great reason to plan a weekend trip to Fort Wayne. While you’re in town, see more great art at local galleries at Orchard Gallery, GlassLink, and ArtLink. You can get a hotel package deal for one of our many downtown hotels here.
All three exhibitions, Chihuly: Secret Garden, The Chihuly Effect: Pushing the Boundaries of Studio Glass, and Habatat Presents: 41st Annual International Glass Invitational, are on display at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art from June 29 – September 29. Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, and there is a $7 additional fee to see the Chihuly exhibition. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is open Sundays from 12-5 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
