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Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia on Friday said it will open the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio in 2011 to complement its world-class glass collection in the Museum.
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The addition of the facility will enhance the stature of the museum as one of the leading museums in the U.S. with a focus on art glass collections. The studio will equip collections from aspiring and master artists alike and will also offer a series of classes and workshops for students and adults.
Construction on the $7.5 million project has already started and the studio is to be designed in the 7,000 square foot building that sits across the street from the Museum.
"The Chrysler Museum's new glass studio will allow us to join an exclusive club of museums that offer visitors the experience not just of an outstanding collection of historical and contemporary glass but the opportunity to watch glass being blown before their eyes. This will, we believe, add depth and resonance to the understanding of our collection. At the same time, the studio will allow us to offer glass-making classes, to organize partnerships with regional educational institutions, and to welcome guest artists for residencies at the Museum," said Bill Hennessey, director of the Museum.
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The interest for constructing the studio sparkled in 2009 when the museum collaborated with Virginia Arts, the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia and 21 regional affiliates throughout Hampton Roads during the exclusive glass exhibition, Art of Glass 2.
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"The vision to transform Hampton Roads into a major glass center is becoming a reality with this studio that will complement the Chrysler's brilliant glass collection," said Andrew Fine, Art of Glass 2 chairman and Chrysler Museum trustee in a statement.
Curator Kelly Conway believes that with the establishment of the studio, visitors will "gain a better understanding and appreciation for the wonderful objects in our collection."
However, construction on the studio will continue through 2011 and it is expected that the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio will open to public only by next fall.
