Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Chihuly in Seattle

The past week I have been in Seattle helping my oldest daughter setup in her new home. I had never been to the Pacific Northwest before although I knew the beauty of the mountains combined with the dense tree growth would be artistically inspirational to me. I did not expect to absolutely fall in love with the area.

One highlight for me was visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition located next door to the famous space needle. The exhibit rooms and garden were spectacular. To quote Dale Chihuly, "I want people to be overwhelmed with light and color in a way they have never experienced".

A few highlights -
Northwest room 


Sealife room



Mille Fiori


Persian Ceiling



 Outdoor garden installations, absolutely spectacular.





Aside from the glass exhibition, there was an Aboriginal Art exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum but unfortunately the museum was closed on Monday and Tuesday and I could not get in to see it. I did visit Pike Market place several times (also location of the original Starbucks).






And I did manage a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. The ferry allowed me views of both the Cascade Mountains (east of Seattle, seen below in the distance)



And the Olympic Mountains, west of the island, seen just below the clouds. This trip to Seattle now has me wanting to go back to spend more time closer to nature, hopefully that will happen before the end of the year.



8 comments:

  1. So glad you made it to Seattle and looks like you toured it well. We were just there on Bainbridge Island for my workshop and a family vacation.

    Chihuly's museum in Tacoma is bigger, if you get to come again.

    I'll be going to Boston next year to teach, and I have never been! Should be a treat.

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    1. Casey, I actually looked up where you lived before I left for Seattle just in case you were local. I wondered how far a drive your home was from the city. What dates are you going to be in Boston and where are you teaching? I will definitely take your workshop assuming I'm not working (and if it's before I have moved to Chicago next summer)

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  2. Another great trip for you. We in VA are looking forward to seeing Chihuly's work at VMFA in Richmond (I think Oct.). Great photos.

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    1. Last year there was a Chihuly exhibit at the MFA here and I missed seeing it so I was thrilled to get a second chance. You won't be disappointed.

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  3. I so love Washington and truly miss it terribly. The weather is perfect for me year round, and being so close to the ocean is an added bonus. If I could go back, I would in a heartbeat. I just couldn't leave one daughter here, though I think the other would happily move back with us.

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    1. I didn't realize you lived in Washington, Sherry. It must be odd not having ocean access in Illinois although I used to think Lake Michigan was like an ocean, until I moved to the east coast and lived next to the Atlantic, no comparison!

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  4. wow those installations are something! How great to have seen them up close and personal.

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  5. Deborah, the exhibitions were breathtaking, and I have a new respect for art of glass blowing.

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