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September Issue
2008
Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia,
SC, Features Works by Dale Chihuly
The Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, SC, brings the exhibition, Dale Chihuly: Seaforms, to South Carolina this fall, opening on Sept. 5 and continuing through Nov. 30, 2008. The exhibition includes approximately 35 glassworks and preliminary sketches from his Seaform series - colorful, undulating shell-like forms within forms, inspired by the artist's love of the sea. Chihuly is widely recognized as the world's premier glass artist and has been the subject of many books, critical essays and PBS specials.
Chihuly's Seaforms are reminiscent of sea creatures and shells, yet they are unpredictable abstract configurations with a transparency and colorful luminosity. Families of Seaforms are large vessels with smaller and smaller shapes nestled within them. The accompanying sketches give insight into the artist's creative process, and are beautiful artworks on their own. Chihuly's Seaforms were created over a 14-year period during the 1980s and '90s.
Seattle, WA, glass artist Chihuly, revolutionized the Studio Glass movement by expanding its original notion of the solitary artist working in a studio, to the idea of collaborative teams with a division of labor within the creative process. His achievements as a powerhouse of innovation have influenced the world of contemporary craft, and his art has delighted people around the world.
Chihuly exploits the spontaneity of the glass-blowing medium and embraces it rather than subjugating it to his will as traditional craftsmen have done. People of all ages respond to his brilliant colors and complex and organic shapes.
Chihuly's art can be found in more than 225 museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY), the Museum of Modern Art (NY), the Louvre (Paris), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Whitney Museum (NY). Chihuly has completed more than 150 public installations around the world.
Generous support for this exhibition has been provided by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Rogers. Supporting sponsorship has been provided by the House of Frames and Paintings.
The following are a few of the related programs being offered in conjunction with this exhibition presentation:
On Sept. 9, 2008, from 4:30-6pm - Evening for
Educators: Dale Chihuly: Seaforms.
Offered in connection with each major exhibition during the school
year, the Evening for Educators program provides guidance to teachers
in using the Museum as a valuable resource both in their classrooms
and as a field study option. Educators enjoy a wine and cheese
reception, take a guided tour of the exhibition and receive a
customized educators' kit, which includes information about the
exhibition, a CD of images, and sample lesson plans that meet
state and national curriculum standards. These kits allow educators
to implement museum-designed lesson plans in their own classrooms,
reaching hundreds of students. To register for this free program,
e-mail to (acimballa@columbiamuseum.org). Pre-registration is
required.
On Sept. 12, 2008, at 11:30am - Film: Chihuly and the Masters of Venice. Within the secretive world of Venetian glassmaking, Dale Chihuly sees an opportunity to create exquisite work - if only he can get the two greatest glass masters to work together. Watch as Chihuly works first individually, and then together, with Lino Tagliapietra and Pino Signoretto for a series of historic glassblowing sessions. Free with admission or membership.
On Sept. 13, 2008, at 2pm - Film: Chihuly Gardens and Glass. Dale Chihuly's decades of exploring the relationship of glass and nature reach a zenith in 2002 at Chicago's historic Garfield Park Conservatory. Follow behind the scenes as Chihuly and his team create and install glass sculptures among the plants at the revitalized urban conservatory. Free with admission or membership.
On Sept. 27, 2008, at 2pm - Film: Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem. As a tribute to the new millennium, Dale Chihuly led a team of Americans, Israelis and Palestinians in mounting 16 large-scale installations in Jerusalem's ancient Tower of David. The exhibition draws over one million visitors, and its amazing success prompts Chihuly to return to Jerusalem with 64 tons of Alaskan ice to create the symbolic Wall of Ice. Free courtesy BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
On Oct. 10, 2008, from 10:30-11:15am - Art Breaks: Dale Chihuly: Seaforms. Join other art lovers for refreshments, lively discussion, and a tour of selected galleries. Free with admission or membership.
On Oct. 10, 2008, at 11:30am - Film: Chihuly
at the V&A. In a devastating car accident in 1976, a
young artist loses the use of one eye. In the years that follow,
Dale Chihuly's talent for leading a team flourishes as he orchestrates
glassblowing of a complexity previously unthinkable. His 2001
retrospective exhibition at the venerable Victoria and Albert
Museum marks his triumphant return to London after years of study
and development. Free with admission or membership.
On Oct. 11, 2008, at 2pm - Film: Chihuly and the Masters of Venice
(see Sept. 12, 2008).
On Oct. 25, 2008, at 2pm - Film: Chihuly Gardens and Glass (see Sept. 13, 2008).
For a complete list of programs contact the Museum.
For further info check our SC Institutional
Gallery listings, call the Museum at 803/799-2810 or visit (www.columbiamuseum.org).
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