A native of Seattle, Washington, John Kiley began blowing glass professionally in 1992, at the age of nineteen.  He was educated at The Pilchuck Glass School, and Penland School of Crafts.

John worked for Dale Chihuly from 1994-1998.  During this time, he traveled with the team on the Chihuly Over Venice project, as a gaffer on one of the chandelier teams.  From 1997-2001, John assisted Dante Marioni and Benjamin Moore.

 Working and traveling as a principal team member with Lino Tagliapietra for the past fifteen years, John has blown glass with The Maestro at Lino's private studio on Murano and many other places throughout the world.

John has taught glassblowing at the National College of Art and Design in Ireland, The Bezalel Academy of Arts in Israel, and Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle.  He has also been a visiting artist at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS

“Contemporary Glass” - Palm Springs Art Museum – Palm Springs, CA

“Fertile Ground” The Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA

Best in Show/Peoples Choice Award – The Museum of Glass- Red Hot Auction, Tacoma, WA

Artist In residence – The Museum of Glass - Tacoma, WA

Group Exhibition, Schantz Galleries, Stockbridge, MA

Featured Artist - The Museum of Glass-Tacoma, WA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Glass Director The Schack Art Center Everett, WA

Lino Tagliapietra Inc. Seattle, WA - Team Coordinator/

Principal Assistant to Lino Tagliapietra

Seattle Batch Inc. Seattle, WA - Owner

Dante Marioni - One of two regular glass assistants to Dante Marioni in his studio.

Chihuly Studio, Inc. Seattle, WA - Glassblower/Gaffer – Only glassblower to work in all venues for the “Chihuly Over Venice” Project, including Finland, Ireland, Mexico, and Italy.

Promoted to Gaffer at the age of 21.

Benjamin Moore, Inc Seattle, WA - Glassblower

1993-1994 The Glass Eye Studio Seattle, WA - Glassblower/Coldworker