by Dennis Augustine
Cecile and I were absolutely mesmerized touring the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle—a sanctuary of color, creativity, and transcendence. Every room we entered felt like walking into a dream painted in molten glass.
Dale Chihuly, the visionary behind it all, is more than an artist—he’s a modern-day alchemist who transformed the fragile medium of glass into spiritual wonder. Now in his early 80s, with a net worth estimated at $20 million, his influence spans the globe. His Belagio Hotel collection in Las Vegas alone is reportedly valued at over $10 million, with 2,000 glass blossoms blooming across the ceiling of the hotel’s lobby—one of the most photographed installations in the world.
The exhibition in Seattle offers an immersive look into his life and technique, showcasing rooms of floating seaforms, shimmering chandeliers, and riotous garden blooms made entirely of glass. It’s no exaggeration to say this experience moved us deeply—it felt like standing inside a kaleidoscope powered by soul.
We were also treated to a live glass-blowing demonstration from two incredibly skilled young artisans. Narrated by a passionate guide, we learned that it takes three years to develop solid technique and thirty years to become a master. Watching the transformation from glowing molten glass into elegant form was nothing short of magic.
