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Monday, May 29th 2006

10:39 AM

Chihuly at Fairchild Gardens

My friend, Gail, and I drove "off the rock" to Coral Gables yesterday to tour the Chihuly exhibition at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Dale Chihuly is one of the world's master glass artists, creating  wondrous sculptures of blown glass.  They fascinate, delight, and awe the viewer with their intricate shapes and swirls in vivid colors.  In addition to pieces on display in museums and famous buildings around the world, he also teams with other places, such as botanical gardens, to install his work amid the trees and plants.  Each piece, or collection of pieces, enhanced the lush greenery and, at the same time, the plantings perfectly framed the glass scupltures. 

I was totally charmed by the entire experience and shot dozens of pictures.  I don't know if I can begin to do justice to the master's artistry, but here are a couple of examples. 

Glass "onions" shimmered on the lake.

I love that he thought to include glass in this weather-beaten boat.  Rough chunks of blue glass floated in the pond.

These stunning bowls were displayed in the conservatory.

Scarlet spears shot up toward the sky in a cactus garden.

Thick chunks of lavender formed a dramatic pillar.

Some of the tubes were smooth, others ridged.  This tall sculpture was breathtaking in its intricacy, detail and color.

If you live in South Florida, you only have until May 31st (two days!) to see this amazing exhibition.

8 What's Been Said.

Posted by Rhonda Pollero:

Those pictures are stunning Mary! I wish I could go see the exhibit!!!
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 1:53 PM

Posted by Karen:

Those are so gorgeous, thanks for sharing! I used to go to the Univ of Miami in Coral Gables, loooooong ago. Brings back memories!
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 5:27 PM

Posted by Marty:

I adore Chihuly--what a great exhibit!
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 5:46 PM

Posted by Arianna Hart:

Oh, I'm so jealous! I love glass art! Reminds me of that Nora book BORN IN FIRE. I love the mix of nature and glass. Wish I could have seen it!
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 8:21 PM

Posted by Beth Ciotta:

Beautiful, beautiful. Thanks for sharing those pictures, M. Amazing and inspiring art!
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 10:07 PM

Posted by Mary Stella:

Ari, I also thought of Born in Fire while enjoying this exhibit! Everyone, I'm glad you've enjoyed the photos.
Monday, May 29th 2006 @ 10:42 PM

Posted by RobynL:

Absolutely stunning! Wow!
Tuesday, May 30th 2006 @ 11:23 AM

Posted by Feisty:

Great pictures Mary! If you make it to WA state you'll have to check out Chihuly's 'stuff' at the glass museum in Tacoma :) -- and all the other exhibits as well (http://www.museumofglass.org/s99_home.jsp)the tacoma art museum also offers special tours of his permanent installations in the downtown area ....
Tuesday, May 30th 2006 @ 11:31 PM

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