10 Fun Facts About Glass Sculpture Artist Dale Chihuly

10 Fun Facts About Glass Sculpture Artist Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is world renowned for incorporating his glass sculpture art into a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. He’s hung his unique chandelier sculptures over piazzas in Venice and floated colorful glass orbs in the garden fountains outside the Biltmore Estate. And his work can be found in more than 200 museums around the world. But do you know these amazing facts about Dale Chihuly?

  

    

Chihuly Boat at Biltmore Estate
Chihuly glass sculptures were incorporated into the Biltmore Estate and surrounding gardens in 2018.

    

Do You Love Chihuly's Glass Sculptures?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #silversightseer

    

1. The Glass Artist is a Virgo

  

2. He Started His Career in A Different Area of Art

 

 

Glass Art in Murano
Glassmakers on the Venetian islands of Murano in Northern Italy have been making world-class glassworks since the 13th century. Photo by Canva.

3. The Glass Sculpture Artist Loves to Travel

    

  

 

4. Dale Chihuly Worked as a Commercial Fisherman to Save Money for Graduate School

 

Glassblowing is hot and requires physical effort
Unlike many other forms of art, glassblowing is hot and requires a certain level of physical exertion.

5. Dale Chihuly is an American Pioneer

   

6. Why the Glass Sculptor Wears an Eye Patch

  

  

Chihuly at Bellagio in Las Vegas
More than 2,000 pieces of Dale Chihuly’s glass art sculptures hang above the registration desk at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

7. He’s an Artist, Not a Fighter

  

8. You Can See Chihuly Glass Exhibits Around the World

 

  •        
  •   
  •   

    

Louise at Chihuly Exhibit at Childrens Museum of Indianapolis
Under the largest permanent Chihuly installation in the world, visitors to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis can build their own “glass” art sculpture using colorful plastic pieces shaped like Chihuly’s work.

9. The Famed Glass Sculpture Artist Also Creates Other Types of Art

  

10. Dale Chihuly Owns Several Fascinating Collections

  

Accordians in Cafe at Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle
A few of the accordions in Dale Chihuly’s collection hang from the ceiling in the cafe at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle.

    

Frequently Asked Questions about Dale Chihuly

Who is Dale Chihuly?

Dale Chihuly is an American artist world renowned for his glass art. While his work is displayed in more than 200 museums around the world, he also incorporates his glass sculptures into a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits.   

Who is Dale Chihuly?

Dale Chihuly is an American artist world renowned for his glass art. While his work is displayed in more than 200 museums around the world, he also incorporates his glass sculptures into a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits.   

How old is Dale Chihuly?

Born on September 20, 1941, Dale Chihuly turned 81 in 2022.

Where is Chihuly from?

Glass artist Dale Chihuly is from the Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington State.

How did Dale Chihuly lose his eye?

The American glass artist was involved in a terrible car accident in London in 1976. After being thrown through the car’s windshield on impact, he received more than 250 stitches in his face and lost the sight in his left eye.

Does Dale Chihuly still blow glass?

Unfortunately, no. After losing the sight in his left eye and injuring is shoulder in a body surfing accident, Dale

While Chihuly no longer creates glass sculptures, he does create beautiful paintings.

Is Dale Chihuly married?

Yes, Dale Chihuly married Leslie Jackson in 2005. The couple have a son, Jackson Viola Chihuly, who was born in 1998. 

Chihuly Facts - Pin 2 - JPG

You Might Also Enjoy

A statue of an angel

Art Museums. Five tips to help kids of all ages appreciate them.

Seattle Quotes

Seattle Quotes. 100+ quotes about Seattle for photo and Instagram captions.

A boat floating in a pond filled with colorful glass orbs

Visiting a Chihuly Exhibit. Five important things to know before you go.

Thank you for sharing!

7 thoughts on “10 Fun Facts About Glass Sculpture Artist Dale Chihuly”

  1. I had never heard of Dale Chihuly even though I am sure that I have seem some of his work. He is a prime example of if you really want to do something you can make it happen. His work is out of this world beautiful and I will now start looking for it when I travel.

  2. I had never heard of him but this was fascinating to read! We just moved to northern Italy and I can’t wait to go to Venice and the the glass blowers at work!

  3. Oh I adore the glass work of Dale Chihuly, and also love some of the modern work made in Murano these days. I’ve seen his pieces in various places around the world, but he’s prolific, so there’s so much more to see! I hadn’t known he’d studied at the Venini Fabrica, but it makes perfect sense!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top