Chihuly Garden and Glass Enters Partnership with the Office of Arts & Culture in Support of the Mayor's Arts Awards

SEATTLE, Aug. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chihuly Garden and Glass has partnered with the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture in support of the Mayor's Arts Awards. As part of the five-year agreement Chihuly Garden and Glass, which through the work of Dale Chihuly supports the vibrancy of the arts in our community, will work with community partners to select a new, local, emerging artist to create the awards each year. Both Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture are excited to announce that the 2016 awards will be created by artist Ali VandeGrift.

"This partnership brings a new opportunity for artists to share their work with the broader arts community in Seattle," said Michelle Bufano, executive director, Chihuly Garden and Glass. "We are excited to work side-by-side with the Office of Arts & Culture to support the Mayor's Arts Awards and the great work the city does by honoring so many deserving arts organizations and individuals."

VandeGrift's design will feature large, intricately designed glass beads in a presentation that pulls influences from the Pacific Northwest. The award partnership began in 2015 with featured artist Manuel Castro. Castro's award design incorporated detailed cane work on a sculpted glass piece.

"It's a pleasure to partner with Chihuly Garden and Glass on this event. We can't imagine a better way to recognize the achievements of Seattle's arts and culture greats than through the commission of a glass artwork award by a local artist," said Randy Engstrom, director, Office of Arts & Culture.

The program further underscores both the shared missions of Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture in empowering and supporting emerging artists in our community. The winners will be announced at the Mayor's Arts Awards ceremony, on Friday, Sept. 2 at 12 p.m. at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

About Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass brings together all the elements of Dale Chihuly's work, including Drawings, signature glass series, large architectural installations and personal collections in a long-term exhibition.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160831/403113

SOURCE Chihuly Garden and Glass