Seattle, Wash – February 26, 2010 – Pilchuck Glass School has chosen artist Chuck Vannatta to design the table centerpieces for its 32nd Annual Auction on October 15, 2010. Vannatta’s winning design for a series of large glass vessels features patterns and imagery inspired by life at Pilchuck.

“The concept submitted by Chuck Vannatta will consist of elegant and simple forms in jewel-tone colors,” explains Pilchuck artistic director Ruth King. “Pilchuck’s flora, fauna, and sights will be pressed into the surface as line drawings. This technique is new and will create a lively interplay of light and color throughout the Auction ballroom, as well as tell the story of Pilchuck in optically dancing hieroglyphics. Every piece will be singular and special.”

Vannatta was introduced to glass in high school and first came to Pilchuck in 1986. Since then he has frequently returned to Pilchuck as a student, seasonal employee, teaching assistant, and craftsperson in residence. He was also the Auction centerpiece designer in 1999.

From May 7-21, 2010, Vannatta will work with a team of 30 volunteer artists -- known affectionately as the Poleturners Union, Local 1201 -- at Pilchuck’s Stanwood campus to create more than 250 unique artworks that follow Vannatta’s original design.

The process of creating the centerpieces is a unique example of teamwork in action, and one that the public can experience during our Spring Group Tours. The public has a rare opportunity to learn about the wide range of glassmaking techniques, talk with working artists, and watch the Poleturners blowing glass as they create these one-of-a-kind centerpieces.

What began as an informal effort in the 1980s, with Dale Chihuly and William Morris creating small centerpieces for the school’s early auctions, has grown into a prestigious design competition offering artists significant exposure to an international community of contemporary glass enthusiasts. These centerpieces provide the visual signature for Pilchuck’s Annual Auction, setting the design theme for save-the-date cards, invitations, the catalog, and the gala evening.

These works will be available at Pilchuck’s 32nd Annual Auction on Friday, October 15, 2010 at The Westin Seattle (1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA) beginning at 5:00 p.m.

For information about our Auction and Spring Group Tours, please contact special events manager Pat Bako at (206) 621-8422 ext. 36 or via email at: pbako@pilchuck.com.