It’s “perfectly unreasonable” to expect to find a world-class exhibit of hand-blown glass in the middle of nowhere.
But right now, through Dec. 7, you can fine nine installations of colorful glass sculptures by renowned Seattle contemporary artist Dale Chihuly between Loretto and Lebanon on the campus of Maker’s Mark Distillery.
There’s the Orange Hornet Chandelier suspended so that with just the right angle you can put the stillhouse with its trademark red shutters as the backdrop.
Sol Del Citron glows yellow like a spiky sun. The Red Reeds on Logs arguably mimic upside down threads of red wax, another Maker’s Mark icon. And Moonbow Fiori is a large piece that gathers the color of the rainbow in spikes, swirls, balls and petals.
Chihuly has been a glass artist for more than 50 years and has a permanent exhibit gallery in Seattle near the Space Needle. His temporary exhibits have been offered across the country including regionally at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville and previously at Maker’s Mark.
Chihuly is the artist who has elevated glass as a vibrant, contemporary art form for the mainstream. Though his style is readily recognized, he’s pushed the material to the limits of scale (many of his pieces are rather large), color (they’re very vibrant) and form (scallops, petals, spikes and swirls are some of the contemporary motifs he incorporates.) One art enthusiast labeled it “Dr. Seussian.”
Pieces in the Maker’s Mark exhibit explore some of his most well-known series, like Chandeliers, Fiori and Venetians. One piece from the Chandeliers series, Amber and New Oak Chandelier, is one of two pieces in the distillery’s permanent collection. The other is The Spirit of the Maker, a backlit piece that is installed in the ceiling of the tasting room.
“Working with Maker’s Mark over the last decade has been a creatively fulfilling experience for me,” the artist said in press materials. “I drew a lot of inspiration from the landscape and architecture of the campus, and I’m excited to return with a new exhibition that responds to this special place in new ways.”
The Samuels family has said that partnering with Dale Chihuly has been a natural one since both entities involve handcrafting.
“Our founders, Margie and Bill Samuels Sr., built this brand on culture, community and an uncompromising pursuit of great bourbon,” said Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark and eighth-generation whisky maker. “Our partnership with Dale Chihuly reflects that perfectly unreasonable spirit. This exhibition, shaped by nature and Dale’s imagination, reinforces our vision to make Star Hill Farm (the location of Maker’s Mark) the most endearing, culturally rich and environmentally responsible homeplace in the world.”
The exhibition runs through Dec. 7. Admission includes a printed map for self-guided tours, with additional bookable experiences available.
On Saturday evenings, the distillery’s popular after-dark tours feature access to the exhibition.
Maker’s Mark tours begin at $26 and can be booked at http://makersmark.com/distillery/visit-us.
