Leslie Jackson Chihuly

19/10/2026

It’s always an inspiration to return to Vassar for the fall Board of Trustees meeting and to spend time with colleagues, students and faculty. We celebrated the success of our “Fearlessly Consequential” campaign at the Culinary Institute of America, co-hosted by Jason Blum and Eric Beringause.

Hats off to Tim Kaine, President Betsy Bradley, our 9 amazing co-chairs and the entire team who helped us get here with 9 months to go!

And congratulations to Katrine “Cage” Ames ’69 and Katherine “Gig” Babson Jr. ’69, both recipients of the Outstanding Service to Vassar Award.

12/10/2026

It was an honor to speak at Hilltop Artists’ Better Futures Luncheon and reflect on a program that has meant so much to Dale and me for the past 32 years. When Dale co-founded Hilltop (Hilltop Artists) with Kathy Kaperick in 1994, there were just 20 students. Today, more than 750 young people are part of this wonderful community, where learning to work with glass is also an opportunity to build confidence and imagine new possibilities for the future.

Kathy cared deeply about Hilltop and its students, and that care helped shape the program in ways that are still felt today. It’s wonderful to see Kimberly Keith leading Hilltop into its next chapter, with that same belief in what young people can accomplish when given opportunities, mentors and a safe community.

Dale and I have always believed in the power of art to change lives far beyond the studio. Hilltop is a beautiful example of what’s possible when young people are given the encouragement and support to discover themselves and their capabilities.

26/09/2026

After 4 years of the Amplify Campaign, Benaroya Hall is officially open for all to enjoy. Last weekend marked the beginning of a new chapter.

On Friday we began with a ribbon cutting to open the newly reimagined Benaroya Hall, and on Saturday evening we gathered for the Seattle Symphony’s Opening Night Concert & Gala, celebrating the beginning of the 2026/27 season with Music Director Xian Zhang and the extraordinary Yefim Bronfman. It was such a joy to see the Hall filled with music and people again.

The weekend also marked the culmination of a journey that has been especially meaningful to me, the Amplify Campaign. I was honored to help lead this campaign alongside an extraordinary group of people who share a belief in what Benaroya Hall means for the civic life of our city, and an excitement about how the next generations will use and enjoy it. Together, we set out to build upon its legacy and create an even more welcoming and vibrant gathering place for our community.

I am so grateful to everyone who believed in Amplify and helped make it possible—from our generous donors and campaign leadership to the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall teams and boards, our project partners, and our community.

Please come for coffee or a snack during the day in the Boeing Gallery, join for a concert or other program in the Taper Auditorium or Recital Hall, spend time in the new spaces, and experience this next chapter of Benaroya Hall for yourself.

20/09/2026

19/09/2026

What a wonderful honor for Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra to receive Gold Medals for Glass Valour from the Organizing Committee of The Venice Glass Week, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the art of glass.

Venice and Murano have been such an important part of Dale’s life and work for decades, shaped by the extraordinary artists and friends he has had the privilege of working alongside over the years.

The honors were announced on behalf of the Organizing Committee by Chiara Squarcina, Scientific Director of Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, who said: “Lino Tagliapietra and Dale Chihuly have transformed the art of glass through their extraordinary powers of expression. Each has followed his own path, yet the two have always been united by a profound bond, and both have given us works of wonder. . . . The Organizing Committee is proud and honored to celebrate these two great artists and masters, whose extraordinary achievements have propelled the world of glass into orbit.”

We had already begun our journey home, so the award was graciously accepted by David Hrankovic on Dale’s behalf. We are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to The Venice Glass Week for celebrating Dale and Lino.

16/09/2026

There’s so much to celebrate at Benaroya Hall this Fall. The newly renovated spaces are ready to welcome everyone back, just in time for the start of the Seattle Symphony’s 2026/27 season.

It has been thrilling to see the vision behind the Amplify campaign come to life, supporting these beautiful new spaces and the future of music and community at Benaroya Hall.

Opening night is September 19, with Music Director Xian Zhang leading the Seattle Symphony and the incredible and the incredible Yefim Bronfman playing Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3.

And on October 18 Benaroya Hall will open its doors for a free, all-day Open House filled with music, art and programming throughout. I hope you’ll join us, explore the new spaces and enjoy your civic treasure!

Read more about the renovation in The Seattle Times article linked in my bio.

15/09/2026

A very special afternoon on Murano visiting our dear friends Lino and Lina Tagliapietra celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary.

Dale and Lino’s friendship goes back decades, beginning at Pilchuck and growing through years of working together, sharing ideas, meals, travels and so many memories.

It meant the world to be together again with our families.

We love you, Lino and Lina. Auguri! ❤️

11/09/2026

A wonderful evening celebrating the 10th edition of The Venice Glass Week (The Venice Glass Week). Founded by my dear friend Dr. David Landau, The Venice Glass Week has grown into an international celebration of Venice’s extraordinary glassmaking tradition and its influence on artists around the world.

Running September 12–20, this year’s program brings together more than 200 exhibitions, installations, demonstrations, talks, workshops and special events across Venice, Murano and Mestre, including “CHIHULY: Venice 2026.” Thanks to Camilla Purdon for her great work on this year’s festival and to Dr. David Landau for his vision and continued dedication to glass.

08/09/2026

Great to spend time with Hank Meijer and Charles Burke at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Dale and I enjoyed touring the gardens and seeing how the collection has grown in recent years. We had a chance to talk about some exciting projects ahead.

“CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens” is currently on view Meijer Gardens, featuring monumental and site-specific installations throughout the beautiful grounds. There’s still time to see the exhibition before it closes on November 1.

07/09/2026

When you haven’t had a real Sunday NYT in your hands in awhile, and you’re heading to Venice!