His work is well documented, available for those who cannot afford the thousands of dollars that one of his pieces commands. There are more than 15 coffee table books chronicling his works, as well as a video that documents his Chihuly Over Venice chandelier project. A comprehensive web site features streaming RealVideo clips of pieces being created and Chihuly discussing his work. A documentary about Chihuly made for PBS was one of the first-ever high-definition, full digital broadcast aired across the nation. Collectors and just-lookers can also see examples of his work year-round at the Hawk Galleries in Columbus and Thomas R. Riley Galleries in Cleveland.

He's also got fans in high places. First Lady Hillary Clinton was featured on CBS This Morning in 1995, enthusing about one of Chihuly's "Macchia" bowls (a series of pieces Chihuly has done in a variety of colors with walls that ripple like seashells or flowers), which is part of the White House Craft Collection. Pronouncing it one of her favorite pieces, Clinton effused that she liked to keep it in the bedroom quarters so she could look at the colors in the bottom every day. She demonstrated her adoration on camera by sticking her head into the bowl and speaking loudly to hear her voice echo.

Clinton also drew Chihuly away from Columbus in September, causing him to miss a fundraising gala at the museum when "Chihuly Over Venice" opened. Not one to leave a bitter taste in anyone's mouth about him or his work, he donated one of his chandeliers - with a six-figure value - to the museum's permanent collection in lieu of his presence.

Chihuly may be one of the most commercially successful artists of this era. Jennifer Lewis, who handles public relations for Chihuly, says, "He runs his own show. It's the closest thing I can think of to working for Elvis."