Pilchuck Glass School
HAND-BLOWN ART
If you want to see one-of-a-kind glass works, be prepared to get wet! Set on 54 acres of beautiful forests north of Seattle, Washington, Pilchuck Glass School was founded in 1971 by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly is the creator of glass sculptures found in museum and private collections the world over, including Seattle art patrons John and Anne Hauberg.
An artist puts the finishing touches on his glass creation.
Begun as an experimental summer project for Chihuly and a handful of his artist friends, the makeshift residences and studios on the former tree farm took root, with help from Chihuly’s friends, including radical mixed-media artist Italo Scanga and the uncommon generosity of the Haubergs. The school has attracted artists (specializing in all different media) every summer to teach, create, learn, and expand their creative horizons surrounded by a community of other passionate art makers intent on learning the intricacies of glass. But the school isn’t just about blowing glass; you can learn about hot and cold glass techniques, neon art, stained glass, engraving, flame-working, and multimedia sculptural processes.
Every year in the spring, Pilchuck opens its doors for the public to view the spectacle of glassblowing up close and to learn about glass-making procedures from working artists in their studios. Visitors also have the opportunity to take a bit of Pilchuck with them: The school offers works of art for purchase during their annual Art Auction. —SBR