Housed in a new outdoor glassblowing pavilion, a working Hot Shop features daily demonstrations by local, professional gaffers, now through January 3, 2010. Visitors are seated nearby to watch as molten glass and transform it into a finished piece of blow glass artwork. Every step of the process is described in lively and informative 20-minute sessions, giving visitors an up-close look at the process of creating hand blown glass pieces. Items produced in the Franklin Park Conservatory Hot Shop are available for sale at Botanica, and the Hot Shop is available for special event rental. Hot Shop

Operating Hours:
Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m
Demonstrations begin every 30 minutes. The Hot Shop experience is included in the Conservatory’s general admission price.

Weekly “no-experience-necessary” workshops will be offered at the Hot Shop from 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings beginning on August 20 and continuing through December 17. A different project will be created each week. For a list of projects, cost, and registration information: www.fpconservatory.org/programexhibitions.htm

Held at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month family activities include crafts inspired by the artist Dale Chihuly’s work. The program is free with Conservatory admission. For details on monthly Family Fun Saturday topics: www.fpconservatory.org/programsfamilyfun.htm

A four-session class led by Julia McLemore, adjunct professor at Columbus College of Art and Design uses the Conservatory’s botanical and art collections as subject matter. Participants will receive technicalhelp and advise in both traditional film as well as digital formats. Students must supply their own cameras. Cost: $200; $180 for Conservatory members Advance registration required: 614-645-5893

Hear about Chihuly’s uncanny ability to weave together conceptually diverse objects into a unified whole. Included in this talk will be a survey of his lifelong fascination with amassing his own art in series as well as items in his other eclectic collections such as what may be the world’s largest set of Pendleton Blankets. Free with admission.

The 2009 Art Ball Featuring the art of Dale Chihuly is on target to be an AMAZING event! With cochairs D. Scott Owens and Kevin J. Kowalski having control of the reigns, this year is shaping up to be exciting! All we can say is, be sure to buy your tickets early, because the excitement is growing and a Ball featuring Chihuly is sure to have an enormous visual impact, outstanding food, and entertainment that you won’t soon forget!

Each year, ArtFUSION offers young professionals a unique experience in combination with the Art Ball. This year, it offers more than ever before with a live DJ, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and entrance to the newly opened exhibition, Chihuly Illuminated. ArtFUSION Chair Pete Scantland, along with CMA’s young professionals volunteer group Art netWork and its host committee, have big plans for the event—including a drawing for an original Dale Chihuly lithograph and a wall-sized video projection showing Dale Chihuly in action. Visit www.columbusmuseum.org for more information.

Bring in your Chihuly Illuminated ticket stub to receive discounted admission ($4 regular, $3 discounted admission) to a specially scheduled tour of Glass Axis.

Contemplate the fusion of art and architecture highlighted in Tacoma’s Union Station and Dale Chihuly’s Bridge of Glass. Follow the renovation of the 1911 train terminal, which is noted as a proud monument to the Golden Age of Railroads. Free with admission.

Experience the wonder of Dale Chihuly’s wild and wavy glass sculptures! Make your own Chihuly-inspired sculpture in Derby Court and a colorful bowl in Nationwide Studio, then take a respite to enjoy the lilting harmonies of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Special guests from Glass Axis Art Studio and Gallery will provide live demonstrations. For more information, please visit www.columbusmuseum.org or contact Dayna Jalkanen at 614.629.0356 or dayna.jalkanen@cmaohio.org.

In celebration of the robust community of glass artists and studios in Columbus, CMA presents a series of talks by local artists specializing in fine-art glass. Please visit www.columbusmuseum.org for specific artist information. Free with admission.

Glass Axis offers free demonstrations from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on the last Saturday of every month. Spend an afternoon enjoying Chihuly Illuminated at CMA and Chihuly Reimagined at Franklin Park Conservatory followed by a look at how art glass is made at Glass Axis. CMA members receive a 10 percent discount on registration fees for regularly scheduled Glass Axis courses. A course schedule is at www.glassaxis.org.

Class participants, led by instructor Beth Himsworth, will create 8-inch square glass tile mosaics. All materials are included in the class fee. Cost: $40; $36 for Conservatory members Advance registration required: 614-645-5863