Collaborazione--Dale Chihuly works with Hilltop Artists students at Museum of Glass

Museum of Glass to host Collaborazione, a unique partnership of Hilltop Artists and Dale Chihuly to celebrate the past, present and future of glass on Tuesday, September 17th and Thursday, September 19th.

Tacoma—On September 17th and 19th, Chihuly will be collaborating with Hilltop Artists students to create signature glass art work in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop.  These glass art pieces will become centerpieces that will be auctioned off at Hilltop Artists’ Better Futures Luncheon on October 2nd.  Collaborazione marks a highpoint in Chihuly’s long-standing commitment to Tacoma and the youth of Hilltop Artists.

Hilltop Artists is a Tacoma-based non-profit that uses glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.  Started in 1994 with the help of Chihuly, Hilltop Artists provides hot glass instruction to over 550 students each year through nine different programs.  Supported by a growing body of research on the correlation between involvement in the arts and the development of critical protective factors - self-esteem, civic involvement, academic success - Hilltop Artists offers a unique model for using art as a means for violence prevention and intervention with youth that has outstanding results.  No students are refused services based on their past behavior, grades, disabilities, or artistic talent; Hilltop Artists is a tuition-free program and provides all staff, supplies and materials.

     When: Tuesday, September 17th from 11am-7pm and Thursday, September 19th from 10am-5pm.

     What:  Live glassblowing.  Chihuly will be working on the Museum of Glass hot shop floor with Hilltop Artists students to create signature glass works.  Tickets will be available for shows beginning every hour.  There will be no signing opportunities for visitors.

     Where:  The Hot Shop, Museum of Glass

               1801 Dock St., Tacoma, WA 98402

     How:  Tickets are $17 each ($5 with a guest/member/library pass) and will be available for purchase on Brown Paper Tickets starting September 10th.  Limit 8 tickets per person.

      Who:  Collaborazione is an opportunity to view the partnership between Dale Chihuly and his artists as they team with Hilltop Artists students to blow glass, and with the Museum of Glass who is donating their amazing hot shop for this unique student centered event.