Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon on view at the Chrysler Museum of Art later this month

Giuseppe Barovier (Italian, 1853–1942) for Salviati Dott. Antonio (Italian, 1877 – 1890) or Artisti Barovier (Italian, 1884 – 1919), Granzioli Dragon Compote, ca. 1877-1914, Blown and applied glass, Gift of Marjorie Reed Gordon, 2022.21.55

NORFOLK, Va. (Feb. 1, 2024) Dizzying opulence and fanciful ornamentation outshine craftsmanship and masterful technique in Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon: Glass 1875–1915, an exhibition of Italian glass from the permanent collection of the Chrysler Museum of Art. This winter, visitors can gaze upon dragons, dolphins, seahorses, pegasi, swans, and serpents as they creep around vase necks, twine up goblet stems, and perch atop bowl rims. This unique and rare collection of 50 glass wonders will be on view in the Museum’s Glass Projects Space from February 23 to August 18, 2024.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Venetian glassmakers adorned blown glass vessels with fabulous beasts sculpted from hot glass and dusted with gold, dazzling the senses. The artworks attest to both their makers’ imagination and virtuosity and represent a stunning revival of the Venetian glass industry. When glassmaking in Venice reemerged in the 1860s after a half-century of depression, an atmosphere of creativity and friendly competition arose among Venetian glass companies, including firms like Artisti Barovier, Fratelli Toso, and Salviati & C.

“When I saw that more than half of the objects were ornamented with dragons, dolphins, and other fabulous creatures, it became clear to me that there was a fabulous show waiting to happen”
-Carolyn Swan Needell

This exhibition is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art and is possible thanks to a generous gift of glass from Mrs. Marjorie Reed Gordon. Gordon donated 80 works of glass from her personal collection to the Museum in 2022. “When I saw that more than half of the objects were ornamented with dragons, dolphins, and other fabulous creatures, it became clear to me that there was a fabulous show waiting to happen,” says the exhibition’s curator, Carolyn Swan Needell, Ph.D., the Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass at the Chrysler Museum. Because of the age, fragility, and intricacy of each glass object, careful cleaning and conservation work was needed to restore the works to their original splendor.

Programming

Thursday, April 4: First Thursday: Venetian Glass, Italian Wine, and Wild Stories
6–9 p.m.
Get wild at this enthralling exploration of the Chrysler Museum’s exhibition Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon: Glass 1875–1915. Wine tasting presented by Vino Culture, live animals, art talks, and a storytelling safari make for a merry-making menagerie of a night.
FREE

Friday, April 12: Art Matters: Fantastic Creatures
Museum experiences, like Art Matters, are evidence-based interventions that help to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. Individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners are invited to diverse conversational tours designed to both offer a pleasant experience and serve as cognitive stimulation. The exhibition Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon: Glass 1875-1915, attest to both the imagination and virtuosity of glass makers and offer viewers lots to talk about. Art Matters is a free program presented in partnership with the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. To register, please call 800-272-3900
FREE

Tuesday, April 16: Teen Studio: Clay Creations
1–3:30 p.m.
Experiment with air-dry clay to bring an idea into three dimensions. Combine wire armatures with clay to add strength and stability when going large. Ages 13–17
$8 for Museum members, $15 for non-members

Wednesday, April 17: Homeschool Studio: Clay Creatures
1–3:30 p.m.
Use air-dry clay to create creatures real and imaginary. Experiment with pinch pots, coil building, and more when using this natural and magnificent material. Ages 6–12.
$8 for Museum members, $15 for non-members

Thursday, April 18: Glass After Dark featuring Fabiano Zanchi
8–10 p.m.
Hot glass and live music come together for memorable evenings during Glass After Dark. Watch the Perry Glass Studio Team take the molten material to exciting places and enjoy entertainment from local musicians. This month features the incredibly talented Italian glass maestro and chandelier maker, Fabiano Zanchi.
$10 for Museum members, $20 for non-members, Cash bar

Tuesday, July 23–Friday, July 26: Camp Art Stars: Fantastic Creatures
Mythological creatures and natural wonders come together in this exciting camp for creators. Draw, paint, print, stitch, and sculpt creatures big, small, ordinary, and extraordinary. Find animals throughout the Museum and in the temporary exhibition Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon: Glass 1875-1915. Sessions will be held 9:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For artists ages 6-9.
$250 for Museum members, $295 for non-members

Check chrysler.org for details, pricing, and more programs to be announced soon.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART

The Chrysler Museum of Art brings art and people together through experiences that delight, inform, and inspire. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.

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