Museum of Glass Presents Exhibition by Dante Marioni

Dante Marioni: Form, Color, Pattern
February 16 – September 21, 2008
Organized by Dante Marioni Studio

Tacoma, Wash. (December 19, 2007)— Opening in conjunction with Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass, the Museum of Glass presents Dante Marioni: Form, Color, Pattern, a mid-career survey comprising more than twenty exceptional glass works crafted over the past two decades by Seattle artist, Dante Marioni. The exhibition was organized by Dante Marioni Studio and will open on February 16, 2008, at the Museum of Glass, the only West Coast venue on the tour.

Marioni is known for his mastery of Venetian glassblowing techniques. In his hands, the traditional vessel is transformed into modern sculpture with shape and surface simultaneously minimalist and delicately complex.

His elegant vessels are compelling for their bold colors, striking geometries, graceful forms and impeccable finishes. Most of the forms he chooses are utilitarian in nature (vases, pitchers and cups) but he challenges viewers’ perceptions of these objects by increasing their scale and incorporating the decorative brilliance that has defined glassmaking for centuries. For Dante Marioni, the art of glassblowing—rather than the blowing of glass art—is the ultimate purpose.

The exhibition explores the ways Marioni has been inspired by both historical and contemporary glassblowers. Drawing upon the centuries-long artistic conversation about classical design, proportion, and aesthetics that dates back to the ancient roots of the art form, he is also influenced by the teachings of contemporary mentors, such as Lino Tagliapietra, to create a style distinctively his own.

Included in the exhibition are pieces from Marioni’s personal collection dating back to the early 1990s. A Conversation with the Artist lecture and slide presentation is scheduled for March 16, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. in the Museum of Glass theater. A catalog accompanies the exhibition.

About the Artist:

Dante Marioni was born in California and comes from a family of artists. He began working with glass in 1979 at age 15, learning glassblowing in the studio directly from his father, Paul Marioni, and other artists including Dale Chihuly, Benjamin Moore and Lino Tagliapietra. Over many years, Marioni has become one of the most accomplished glassblowers in the United States. His work has been exhibited worldwide and is included in several notable collections, including the White House Collection of American Crafts, the Japanese National Museum of Craft, The Corning Museum of Glass and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He teaches and exhibits his work worldwide and lives in Seattle with his wife Alison and son, Lino.

Sample Images:

Dante Marioni (American, born 1964)
Fusilli Acorn, Striped Acorn,
Grid Acorn, 2006
Glass, 9 x 15 inches each
Collection of Dante and Alison Marioni
Photo by Russell Johnson, courtesy
of Dante Marioni Studio

Dante Marioni (American, born 1964)
Vessel Display, Yellow on Blue, 2006
Glass and wood, 27 x 19 x 5 inches
Collection of Dante and Alison Marioni
Photo by Russell Johnson, courtesy of Dante Marioni Studio

Dante Marioni (American, born 1964)
Finestra Vases (detail), 2000
Glass, greatest height 40 inches
Collection of Dante and Alison Marioni
Photo by Russell Johnson, courtesy of Dante Marioni Studio

The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, studio, grand hall, store and café.

The Museum of Glass is sponsored in part by the City of Tacoma Arts Commission, the Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsFund and Comcast.

Hours and Admission
Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Third Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Store is also open Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): also open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Independence Day, September 15, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free for members, $10 general, $8 seniors, military and students (13+ with ID), $8 groups of 10 or more, $4 children (6-12) years old. Children under 6 are admitted free. Admission is free every third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Info Line 253-284-4750/ 1-866-4MUSEUM
Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402

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