Chihuly at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden

A Fine Morning Walk

Update June 2009

Enjoy the memories and photos

The exhibit closed May 31, 2009

I have always been impressed with the "Living National Treasures" program in Japan. The Japanese recognize individuals whose lifetime achievements are considered so profound and unique that they designate them as nothing less than national living treasures. 

I guess the closest thing we have is our national Poet Laureate (but that designation changes with each change of political administration). If I had my way the US would also have a living treasures designation. Then my first nominee would be a true American original Dale Chihuly. His stunning glass artwork breaks the mold of "glass for utility". Chihuly's glass art objects are treasured around the world and are displayed in places of honor in the worlds finest museums (my favorite installation is probably the piece in London's Victoria and Albert). Another excellent venue is the museum of glass he created along the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma Washington.

For those lucky enough to get the last few tickets, a special installation is open for viewing here in Phoenix at our splendid Desert Botanical Garden. This garden is one of my favorite places in Phoenix anyway, so this morning's visit to see the Chihuly glass installation was a special treat. Being on the road so much, I frequently wind up missing the great stuff that is right under my nose. Thank goodness I did not miss this.

If you go, prepare to be dazzled. The pieces vary in size and shape. Some are small, others are majestic in scale. Some are carefully set among the desert garden's walkways and literally seem to be growing. Others just grab you and demand that you "look over here, now!"

From the very moment you approach the garden there are jaw dropping pieces seemingly everywhere. In this post I gladly used up a bunch of the megapixels blogger allows me. So please click away on these high res photos to get a feel for the arts real intensity.

On the Way to the Garden's Entrance

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Like Some Sort of Magical Agave

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Shimmering in the Morning Sun

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The New Walkways into the Garden

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"Flamingo's" With a Splendid Backdrop

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The Brightest Blues, Reds, Oranges, and Yellows 

Pieces Seem to be Growing  on Their Own

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In Spare Settings

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Some Scaled to be as Large as a Tree

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Vivid

A Nestlike Element Suspended

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And the Blooms of the Garden Are Found Everywhere

This installation closes soon, so if you can, go see this one. Chihuly in the DBG is truly wonderful. 

Roadboy's Travels © 2009