Pioneering studio glass artist Dale Chihuly schmoozed with the press Thursday evening at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor at a special reception to preview his upcoming show “Chihuly at the de Young,” which will run June 14 through Sept. 28.

While the full exhibit is coming to the de Young, several pieces by the Seattle-based artist are at the Legion: “Sun,” a 14-foot yellow orb, is outside; “Aquamarine Three-Tiered Chandelier” and “Sea Blue and Green Tower” are in the Rodin sculpture galleries.

Chihuly, who works with teams that assemble his works when they travel, said the pieces are never put together exactly the same way. He says he views his works in a fresh light every time they’re installed in a new, appealing space.

The opening weekend for “Chihuly at the de Young,” on June 14 and 15, will feature free admission between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. as well as glass-art and blacksmithing demonstrations. The de Young is in Golden Gate Park; general admission is $10. Call (415) 750-3600 or visit www.deyoungmuseum.org for more information.