Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly was first introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. In 1966, he attended Harvey Littleton's glass program at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned an M.S. degree in sculpture, followed by an M.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1968, where he also established the glass department. He founded his own glass workshop, the Pilchuck Glass School, in 1971. Chihuly's promotion of exchange between glass artists in the United States and Italy led both to an increase in technical skill among the Americans and in experimentation for the Italians. Over the years, Chihuly has gained recognition for his large-scale, exuberantly colorful pieces. He has received many commissions, both in the United States and internationally, for his spectacular installations.

Education: M.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1966; M.F.A., Rhode Island School of Design, 1968