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.

Those pictures are stunning Mary! I wish I could go see the exhibit!!!

Those are so gorgeous, thanks for sharing! I used to go to the Univ of Miami in Coral Gables, loooooong ago. Brings back memories!

I adore Chihuly--what a great exhibit!

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!

Beautiful, beautiful. Thanks for sharing those pictures, M. Amazing and inspiring art!

Ari, I also thought of Born in Fire while enjoying this exhibit! Everyone, I'm glad you've enjoyed the photos.

Absolutely stunning! Wow!

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 ....