Treasure or replica? Park City ReStore sale sparks Chihuly speculation

Both established and now-new customers of the Park City Habitat ReStore are talking about this sculpture donated wondering if its a Chihuly or simply Chihulyesque. Photo: courtesy of Park City Habitat ReStore

“Visit our store often, you never know what treasures you may find and the lives you will change.” ~ Britney Comer, longtime board member and supporter of Habitat for Humanity

PARK CITY, Utah — The ReStore in Park City, managed by Habitat for Humanity, received a donation which looked a lot like a Chihuly.

Dale Chihuly is an American glass artist from Washington state whose work has been displayed in more than 25 countries. Parkites who have visited Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City may have seen his 30-foot Olympic Tower in the lobby. 

Last week the ReStore’s popular Facebook page, where staff frequently post items in-store for sale at the thrift-style store, shared a photo of this maroon colored blown glass art sculpture.

Shortly after, the post was updated: sold.

The sculpture set off a debate in the comments that’s still unresolved. More than 40 people weighed in, guessing at whether the piece was an authentic Chihuly or a well-made reproduction — and, if real, what it might be worth.

Estimates in the comment section ranged into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, with one commenter speculating it could reach a million. TownLift has not independently verified any of those figures, and has reached out to Chihuly Studio for comment on the piece; this story will be updated if they respond.

TownLift also asked the ReStore for more information on whether the buyer, seller, or staff knew whether the piece was an authentic Chihuly. 

“That’s all private customer information,” Assistant Manager Mike Power said.

The ReStore started out selling donated construction and residential materials to help fund the work of Habitat for Humanity, but over time it has evolved into much more.

Park City freelance artist Shannon Lawrence, who works with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and used to work across from Chihuly’s studio in Seattle, is a regular ReStore shopper. She said she buys lamps, tables, and chairs there for a fraction of retail. She was interested in going and getting this piece but told TownLift it wouldn’t have fit in her small car. Lawrence, like the rest of the commenters, remains unsure if it was an original or not.

“The ReStore itself is treasure,” Lawrence told TownLift.

As to its authenticity, the question remains but the comments continue.

“We’re always grateful and appreciative of all the donations we receive from our Summit and Wasatch Communities,” Britney Comer, longtime board member and supporter of Habitat for Humanity, told TownLift. “Visit our store often, you never know what treasures you may find and the lives you will change.”