Dale Chihuly is the most famous craft/glass artist living today and the subject of many popular exhibitions. Organized by FAMSF and accompanied by a catalogue written by curator Timothy Anglin Burgard, Chihuly takes a different approach by examining the phenomenon of the artist in a scholarly way. The exhibition takes a broad view of the dramatic, colorful, and textured works that generate instant international recognition.

In the tradition of the medieval workshop or the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Chihuly uses his workshop as a fulcrum for his creations. His counterculture roots manifest themselves in a school that’s more akin to a commune than an institution of higher learning. Other pivotal points of artistic inspiration are Chihuly’s personal collections. The exhibition will look at the artist as collector and how that influences his work.

The full exhibition is at the de Young Museum from June 14–September 28, 2008, but two site-specific works are shown on the outside of the de Young and the Legion of Honor starting in March. At the de Young, a neon tower will be installed in the Pool of Enchantment on the building’s east side. A 12-foot diameter yellow orb called Sun will be installed at the Legion of Honor in the Court of Honor.