Members of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art are reflecting on impactful exhibitions, significant interactions with artists, and meaningful engagement with the art community at the FWMoA. These Museum Memories give us a glimpse at experiences that have made a lasting impression.
Tod Kovara, a supporter of the FWMoA since 2013, recalls an experience with the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.
I don’t remember when it was (many years ago), but I attended a very interesting event at the FWMoA introducing many glass pieces from Dale Chihuly. Although Mr. Chihuly was not present for the event, nonetheless, it was quite nice. Along with many examples of Chihuly’s work, there were pictures or video presentations of the glass blowing process used for the production of these splendid pieces of glass art. I could not believe, and still cannot, the beauty and elegance of Chihuly’s glass works.
Again, this was a rather long time ago. Within the FWMoA, there once was both a theater and a special room referred to as the “Lincoln Room”, that were at various times used by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Freimann Quartet, and other ensembles from the philharmonic, for chamber concerts. I was a regular attendee at these concerts and would usually avail myself of the opportunity of walking through the museum to check out the art displays while I was there.
Very recently, I was given a tour of the latest glass displays and provided with a very nice discussion about some of the pieces and the display cases in which they are arrayed. This little tour was provided by the FWMoA’s President & CEO Charles Shepard, who is obviously (and for good reason) quite pleased with the appearance of these displays. I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to hear about the glass pieces from a man that really knows art. To me, it is interesting to note the many glass pieces in the museum and the possible inheritance of ideas from the Dale Chihuly works from many years ago.
To see pieces by Dale Chihuly and other inspiring glass art in person, visit the FWMoA Glass Wing during your next visit!