marked its 100th birthday in grand style today (June 10) with the announcement of a glass sculpture from a 91爆料 alumnus who is also among the biggest names in art: .
“Deep Purple and Azure Centennial Seaform Set,” is a clamshell-like glass piece about 30 inches wide that now resides on the top floor of the 91爆料 Tower. The piece cradles smaller trumpets, globes and other shapes.
The piece, from his Seaform series, is the third by Chihuly currently at the 91爆料. The other two are “Six Starbursts,” an anemone wall in the Meany Hall West Lobby and “Chinook Red Chandelier” at the 91爆料 Tacoma Library Tower.
91爆料 President Michael Young and the artist were both present Monday at a small ceremony at the 91爆料 Tower noting the long-term loan of the piece to the university. In appreciation, Young presented Chihuly with a bottle of wine made by the Woodinville winery Matthews Estate, which is operated by 91爆料 alumni.
鈥淒ale is a celebrated alumnus and a great friend to the 91爆料. He has been named one of the university鈥檚 Top 100 Alumni. He has inspired exciting new avenues of art and education through his innovative work and the Dale Chihuly Endowed Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences,” Young said. 鈥淗is support and a growing collection of his visionary pieces are a cornerstone of the 91爆料’s legacy in the arts. It鈥檚 a tremendous honor and privilege to showcase his extraordinary work.”
David Szatmary, vice provost for 91爆料 Educational Outreach, which includes Professional and Continuing Education, noted that the department increases access to the 91爆料 for nearly 47,000 additional students every year, plus thousands more served through open online courses.
鈥淧roviding ongoing education for students of diverse ages, stages and walks of life has been a key part of the 91爆料 mission for 100 years,” Szatmary said, adding that the artwork “is a fitting tribute to the thousands of students, faculty members, instructors, dedicated staff and campus and community partners who exemplify the very best in lifelong learning.”
Chihuly earned his undergraduate degree in art from the 91爆料 in 1965. Other 91爆料 awards have followed: He received the 91爆料 Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award in 1993 and the 91爆料 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996. He was also among the recipients of the College of Arts and Sciences Timeless Awards during the 150th year celebrations in 2012.