St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Chihuly Collection, which opened in July of 2010, has been a top attraction in the Tampa Bay area, and a large part of the transformation of St. Petersburg into a top arts destination in the country.
The Chihuly Collection is a permanent exhibition of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a custom setting designed by Tampa-based and award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. Over the past six weeks, the Chihuly Collection has undergone renovations in order to develop and grow towards a more versatile platform. A brand new expanded Retail Store space directly on Beach Drive will kick off with a Grand Opening celebration event April 4 showcasing new retail products including local artists of all mediums, handcrafted and specialized products , and a new focus on a more extensive inventory of Chihuly branded merchandise.
The new renovation includes increased retail square footage and Beach Drive window presence. A new temporary exhibition space has now been created where the existing Retail Store resides. This exhibition space will be utilized to feature glass artists from around the country in rotating showcases.
“This new addition to our amazing and intimate display of Dale Chihuly’s artwork is a wonderful testament to the importance and popularity of glass art around the country. We look forward to introducing St. Petersburg to amazing new and established artists in the world of glass art.”, stated Chihuly Collection Executive Director Andy Schlauch. “Dale Chihuly was a major player in the Studio Glass Movement of the 1960’s and continues to be a strong influence in all glass artists past and present”, Schlauch continued.
The new Chihuly Collection Retail Store will feature an expanded offering of merchandise by Chihuly Workshop including the new 2014 Studio Editions, Marigold Persian, Sahara Basket Set, Maya Blue Persian, and Zinnia Macchia. A number of local artists will also be represented in the store along with Chihuly Collection custom products.
Events surrounding the Grand Opening:
Media Preview
Monday, March 31
11AM-2PM
New Chihuly Collection Retail Store Grand Opening
Friday, April 4
4-6PM
Ribbon Cutting at 4:30PM
Morean Arts Center Members ONLY Preview
Thursday, April 3
6-9PM
$1 Admission Day at the Chihuly Collection
Saturday, April 5
10AM-5PM
The CHIHULY COLLECTION, located at 400 Beach Drive is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent 10,000 square foot setting designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. The Collection is located on the city’s waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg on Beach Drive in the heart of the most vibrant tourist area in St. Petersburg, within walking distance of the Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, the Museum of Fine Arts, a multitude of galleries, restaurants and shops, and the Salvador Dali Museum.
The Collection includes Chihuly’s spectacular large-scale installations such as Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier created specifically for the Collection along with several popular series works including Macchia, Ikebana, Niijima Floats, Persians and Tumbleweeds which have thrilled audiences around the globe. Each space has been designed individually to complement each installation producing unique visual experiences.