Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

From fire into glass

The magic of Chihuly transforms a winter weekend

Robyn Roehm Cannon Special to The Spokesman-Review

Once the glittering lights and tinsel of December are packed away for another season, the cold dark days of January can seem endlessly dreary. If you’re craving a hit of Technicolor to brighten your month, it’s the perfect time to explore the high-energy world of studio glass art in Seattle and Tacoma. From Northwest artist Dale Chihuly’s spectacular glass exhibits, a museum that presents glassblowing as performance art, stylish hotels filled with original masterpieces and even a restaurant that sears your entree over an open flame hot enough to melt Pyrex, there’s more than enough to fill a weekend.

Coloful garden

“I never met a color I didn’t like.” – Dale Chihuly

At the foot of the Space Needle stands one of the most visually dazzling art installations you’ll ever experience. At Chihuly Garden and Glass, you’ll find thousands of colors in 10 themed galleries that explore world renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly’s artistic journey that began in the 1960s. The artist is celebrated for his large-scale architectural approach and this is his most comprehensive exhibit to date. In addition to “spotlight” talks given in rotating galleries, you’ll receive complimentary ear buds to walk the exhibit with your Smartphone and hear Chihuly’s personal stories. The massive glass house that finishes the indoor space has a breathtaking suspended sculpture that spans 100 feet, one of his largest ever. Wander outdoors to see eight enormous projects set in a magical garden Chihuly designed with landscape architect Richard Hartlage. One of the most enjoyable (and least crowded) times for a midwinter visit is at dusk, when the exterior art is dramatically lit. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Collections Café, which features 28 whimsical collections of Dale Chihuly – everything from accordions, toy soldiers, 1950s cameras, transistor radios and doll house furniture to fly fishing poles, bottle openers and vintage Christmas ornaments. Take a peek here: www.chihuly.com/learn#videos, www.landmorphology.com/portfolio/ chihully-gardens-and-glass-museum, and plan your visit at www.chihulygardenandglass.com

Pop into the Max

If you love the bold visions of iconic American pop artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg, come early in the month, when you can still catch “Pop Departures” at the Seattle Art Museum. The exhibit is open until Jan. 11. Sleep at the stylish Hotel Max, where you can book the “Go Pop” special offer with museum tickets and discounts and see original Warhols displayed in the lobby. All this while enjoying the Max’s complimentary evening Beer Hour from 5:30-6:30 pm, when pints of Seattle craft brews flow freely for guests, every day of the year. Your dog’s welcome too. www.hotelmaxseattle.com/hotel-max/ craft-beer/ www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibitions/pop

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

When it’s time for dinner, open the secret door in the lobby and enter Miller’s Guild, where James Beard award-winning chef Jason Wilson and his team cook everything theater style over a searing flame on a 9-foot, tri-level wood fired grill. Though best known for their 75-day dry aged beef, you’ll find expertly mixed cocktails and fresh seafood entrees as well. You can always count on a good bottle of wine, since former “Best Young Sommelier in America” Jake Kosseff is a front of house partner. Big presentation and attentive service comes standard with all. Check menus and reserve a table at www.millersguild.com. After dinner, hop on the elevator and you’re home.

Tacoma: Gateway to the world of glass

Now that you’ve seen the Chihuly masterpieces of Seattle, take a drive to Tacoma, where the artist was born and see the indelible mark he’s left on the community. And, if you’re interested in watching the thrilling process of museum quality blown glass in action, there’s no better place to visit. Consider taking a rain or shine 90-minute guided walking tour of the art district, led by docents of the Tacoma Art Museum, which highlights the best places to see glass art. Public Chihuly walking tours are scheduled by request throughout the month. Call (253) 272-425, ext. 3026, or email Tours@TacomaArtMuseum.org for availability. http://museumofglass.org/

Sleep in a gallery and wake up inspired

Before you head to Pacific Avenue, where much of the glass art is found, check into pet-friendly Hotel Murano, walking distance from museums and excellent dining. It’s clear why Forbes Travel Guide called the Murano one of the finest four-star properties in the world, with its exquisite décor, top notch service and an art collection that features more than 40 internationally famous glass artists. Each guest room floor is dedicated to a single glass blower and you’ll not only see the artist’s work, but large scale photos taken during the making. Private tours of the collection can be arranged for a nominal fee and the knowledge you’ll gain is immense.

In house Bite is a wonderful spot for any meal, with a broad, well-priced menu, and just two blocks away you’ll find the beautiful Pacific Grill, great for a cozy lunch or dinner. http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com, www.pacificgrilltacoma.com/about/

Imagination ignites into art

Tacoma has two world-class museums dedicated to teaching the public about glass as an artistic medium. Walk across the brilliant Bridge of Glass and see glass making in action at the Museum of Glass Hot Shop, where talented teams of blowers create beautiful art before your eyes inside a dramatic 90-foot architectural cone. The experience is live theater, from comfortable seating to an emcee that explains each step of the process. You can stay for a few minutes or a few hours, but you’ll walk away inspired. Check out the permanent galleries and take special note of the exhibit “Kids Design Glass,” where children make drawings and the resident artists blow their fantastic visions into charming glass characters. http://museumofglass.org/

At the Tacoma Art Museum, just a few blocks away, you’ll find a marvelous collection of Chihuly’s work on display, starting with his earliest pieces. Just last month, the museum opened an expansive new wing dedicated to the exhibit Art of the American West, a private collection generously donated by the Haub family of Tacoma. And while museum gift shops are generally good places to find interesting treasures, TAM’s shop is extraordinary. It’s filled with glass art and a fine selection of handmade Native America pieces, from baskets to silver jewelry and colorful textiles. www.tacomaartmuseum.org/

Channel your inner Chihuly

After watching glass art come to life, wouldn’t it would be fun to blow your own masterpiece? That’s possible at several area studios. In Tacoma, schedule an appointment to work with Patrick Cahill at Area 253 Glassblowing or visit Tacoma Glassblowing Studio. In Seattle, take a class at Seattle Glassblowing, a block from Chihuly Garden and Glass. Or stop at Art By Fire, just off Interstate 90 in Issaquah. All shops welcome children as well as adults for highly supervised blowing experiences. Just before I crafted my multi-hued “Experience Bowl” at Area 253, 12-year-old Dominique Reichl was blowing her annual Christmas ornament. She’s visited Cahill with her parents Shannon and Vic each year since she was 6 to make a sparkling bauble for the family’s tree. www.area253glassblowing.com, http://tacomaglassblowing5.tru-m.com, http://seattleglassblowing.com, www.artbyfire.com

Robyn Roehm Cannon is a lifestyle and travel writer who splits her time between Spokane and Seattle. Reach her at robyncannon@comcast.net or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robyn.r.cannon