Dale Chihuly son Jackson Viola Chihuly is a photographer and freelance marketer who works at Chihuly Workshop Inc.
The youngster is trying to make his name as a glassblower, but he may never be able to surpass the shadow of his legendary dad.
Indeed, Stephanie Stebich, the director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and one of the leading experts in the industry, called him one of the most influential artists of the 21st century.
His work is unparallel as he transformed the ceiling of Las Vegas’s Bellagio casino with handblown glass floral forms, adorning the room with brilliantly colored chandeliers.
But not many know of his efforts to transform glass into a multidimensional art form, as the Smithsonian Channel took charge of bringing his talents to the font. They debuted a new documentary centered around his intriguing life and art collection on Sunday, December 11.
1. Dale Chihuly Has A Photographer Son Jackson Viola Chihuly
Dale Chihuly son Jackson Viola Chihuly is currently 21 years old. Jackson was born in Seattle in 2001 and works as a photographer.
He fathered the young man on February 12, 1998, with American arts executive and philanthropist Leslie Jackson Chihuly.
Besides, he needed no introduction as he came from the union between two big names in Art.
His name is an ode to his family, as his first name comes from his mother’s maiden name, while his middle name is an homage to his grandma, Viola.
She was the heart of the family, but she took her last breath on January 4, 2006. His mom called her a fabulous woman, mother, wife, and grandmother who touched the lives of many around her.
2. Jackson Was Born To His Parents In 1998
Jackson Viola was born to his parents Dale and Leslie Chihuly in 1998. He spent his early years in Sun Valley.
He and the family spend every winter in Idaho city, skiing and helping the community.
The pair are famous as the power couple in the art community who have used their name and reach to pioneer giving back when with The Dale And Leslie Chihuly Foundation.
It got formed in 2009 to help inspire and educate the public regarding all art forms while supporting artists and arts organizations.
The idea came after he received the Fulbright Grant to study glassblowing in Venice, as he recognized others might not have the same luxury. He had his wife wish to bring the art form to the forefront, and the only way was by ensuring other had the funds to do so.
3. He Is A Settle Academy Graduate
In 2009, Jackson enrolled in the Settle Academy, a dynamic community that challenges students with all-rounder activities like academics, athletics, outdoors, and community.
Their values coincided with the family’s goal of embracing culture when enhancing human potential. He became a better human being by graduating in 2016.
Next, he flew off to Florence, Italy, to study International Marketing and Sustainable Business at the CEA Study Abroad. It was an exchange program granted by the California Polytechnic State University, where he was getting his Bachelor of Business Administration.
4. The Photographer Started His Career With Internship
While still in school, he interned for The University of Washington and Chihuly Studio, where he was an allrounder. The job entailed designing websites and performing edits as he used Adobe Illustrator to make icons and merchandise.
By 2018, he secured a spot at Perch Partners as a strategy and design associate, where he led go-to-market strategies across client-based projects.
Next, he part-timed with California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as a marketing manager before joining Chihuly Wrokshop Inc in 2020. The Seattle-based establishment had a team of six talented glassblowers from around the globe, as they worked together to create a product for large-scale exhibitions and commission work.
Sadly, he did not last there for even a year, leaving everything behind to serve at a Bellevue restaurant. It was an experience to remember, but he now spends time developing brand identities and logos for minor businesses as a freelance marketer.
But his priority is as a photographer and a creative strategist. He enjoys collaborating to develop new ideas and bringing those ideas to life through events, merchandise, advertising, and other branding avenues.
5. Jackson Is A Philanthropist
The apple does not fall far from the tree as Jackson follows his mother’s interests, dedicating his time and effort to the community.
During his time at the Seattle Academy, he was a part of the Disaster and Humanitarian Relief, where he laid kitchen tiles, constructed door frameworks, and painted newly-built homes. They also worked in the gardens to help reduce land erosion.
Around 2015, he flew to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, to volunteer to develop soccer clinics at local orphanages while running drills for the Puntarenas FC development team. The sport had them successfully create connections across various cultures.
Indeed, he also served as an associate member at he American Marketing Association for a year, where he attended weekly meetings and participated in discussions with industry professionals.