How to Make Up-cycled Dale Chihuly Glass Art

It has become a tradition to visit Las de las Luminarias at Dessert Botanical Gardens to hear my daughter play hand bells with our church, Mountain View Lutheran. 

         

Dale Chihuly Green Yuca

Las de las Luminarias runs from November 29th - 30th through December 31st from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. making it the best time of year to vist the Desert Botanical Gardens; especially if you are not particularly fond of visiting the Desert Bontical Garden during 100 degree heat :-). We just had a cold front come through and we were all able to wear our winter jackets and long boots! 

Dale Chihuly Sunburst

During Luminaria, you can stroll garden paths, listen to hand bells, carolers, and other entertainers, as the garden is lit from over 8,000 Luminaria bags, white twinkling lights, and Dale Chihuly's works of art. It is a fun activity to bring in the Christmas season!

Chihuly's glass sculptures are artfully placed throughout the gardens among the cacti and desert plants. The exhibit is spectacular to view during Luminaria when many of the sculptures are lit up. If you have children, now is the time to bring them. You will want to visit soon, Chihuly in the Gardens exhibit runs from November 10th, 2013 to May 18th, 2014. 

Dale Chihuly During the Day

Dale Chihuly is an American glass sculptor who is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world in museums and gardens.

Do you want to make your own "glass art" Chihuly style?

Students can create their own Chihily "glass art" by up-cycling party cups, or water bottles.

• You will need sharpies in several colors
• Clear party cups or clear takeout containers (smooth surface works best), you can also use shrinky dink
• Oven safe glassware of all shapes/sizes
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Instruct students to color in party cups and/or takeout containers, making sure to fill in all areas and leaving edges clear. Let them experiment with patterns and colors. Once  completed, place over glassware, on to baking sheet in preheated 300 degree oven or toaster oven and watch. It will start to drape over the glassware. Remove from oven with pot holders, it will still be pliable, cool it by draping it over a glass cup or other glassware so that it will hold it's shape.

Display a collection by stringing them together to make a display like this one

Dale Chihuly is a wonderful artist to include in any art program, it teaches students that art comes in all types of medium, and it is not always at the museum. Kids of all ages can appreciate Dale Chihuly, I am blessed to be able to see it in our hometown.

P.S.: Please make sure you use food grade disposable cups, and takeout containers.Never leave oven unattended. It does take the wow factor away from students, but I baked the cups at home.