Several hundred people stood under a hot white tent Friday in front of The Art Center at 719 Central Ave. to catch a glimpse of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
He was in town to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new 27,000-square-foot building that will house, among other things, one of the largest collections of his works in the country.
"It will be the most comprehensive permanent collection in the United States," his publicist, Janet Makela, said.
Designed by Alfonso Architects of Tampa, the building also will feature a learning center for children, a new museum store, educational spaces and a glass-blowing hotshop with stadium seating so visitors can watch the process.
With the groundbreaking for the new building, The Art Center also assumed a new name: The Beth Ann Morean Arts Center, in honor of the St. Petersburg philanthropist, artist, teacher, mother and businesswoman who helped make it possible.
Chihuly, for his part, promised to create something incredible for the new center, though he didn't know what yet.
"I can't wait to see it up," he said.
Esther Hammer
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