Maker's Mark unveils Chihuly glass sculpture at Loretto distillery

Maker's Mark, in conjunction with its 60th anniversary, unveiled a 36-foot by 6-foot glass installation by world renowned artist Dale Chihuly in one of the distillery's rack houses in Loretto. HERALD-LEADER|BuyPhoto

LORETTO Maker's Mark Distillery raised the bourbon tourism bar Wednesday, unveiling a world-class artwork nestled among barrels of aging spirits.

"I'd like to toast the founders of Maker's Mark my grandparents to celebrate their vision. I'd also like to toast Dale Chihuly, an American treasure," Rob Samuels, Maker's Mark's chief operating officer, said as he saluted the world-renowned Seattle glass artist standing beneath 36 feet of hand-blown splendor. "We're so honored to have this beautiful installation here that will be enjoyed by hundreds and hundreds of thousands of bourbon lovers and Maker's Mark fans."

Made of about 1,300 individual pieces of glass, Chihuly's piece, The Spirit of the Maker, will cap the tour for throngs of visitors who come to the Marion County distillery, designated a National Historic Landmark.

"I'm excited about having the opportunity to work in this beautiful, historical building and to make a piece for the 60th anniversary," Chihuly said. "It's also the first piece I have on public view in Kentucky. ... Just come on down."

Chihuly said the piece, created after a handwritten letter arrived from Samuels asking Chihuly to consider a commission, was inspired by bourbon and Maker's Mark. Its blue glass represents water, amber and green for corn and wheat, and red for Maker's Mark's famous wax. The ceiling installation is made up of Chihuly's Persian series of elements, which he started creating in 1986, according to his studio.

A ribbon of red glass runs through circles, swirls, tendrils and seashells, culminating in a panel with only red pieces. Cherubic putti suggest the angels who get their share of bourbon in evaporation every year.

Altogether, it weighs about 1,875 pounds and was shipped to Loretto in 100 boxes. Three members of Chihuly's team installed the artwork over the bourbon barrels Feb. 18 to 22, after about six months of planning and blowing glass.

"You look at just one piece, and the depth and richness and the layering are just mind-boggling," Samuels said. "Really spectacular."

The piece was designed by Chihuly and laid out first at his studio in Washington state. Samuels said he was invited to help blow a small piece for the sculpture.

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Maker's Mark unveils Chihuly glass sculpture at Loretto distillery