Going home to Dallas, TX is always a thrill. And, no visit is complete without a spin through the Dallas Arboretum. Normally, I am there in March when the tulips are in full bloom. This year, we decided to do an August trip and were able to see the mesmerizing Chihuly exhibit, though it was anything but chilly in Texas!
Dale Chihuly is the artist extraordinaire who has led the avant garde of glass blowing into a fine art. His work has appeared in over 200 museums, including a solo show at the Musee de Arts Decoratifs, Palais du Louvre, in Paris.
Although it is fine art it made me think of Dr Seuss. Bold, unusual and colorful. I honestly didn’t think it would be my cup of tea. However, I was wrong. Mr Chihuly, his team and the Dallas Arboretum had worked together to scope out the best placements for his artwork and because his pieces can be deconstructed, they were able to work them into the already beautiful settings so that they enhanced the gardens and teased the viewer.
Come along…I’ll give you a tour!
The Sun, this last piece is 14 feet in diameter, to give you an idea of it’s size and impact.
This exhibit was one of the more unusual displays of art I’ve seen….I can’t wait to see how it impacts my children and all the others who are fortunate to see it up close.
Have you heard of Chihuly or seen his artwork before? What have you been up to while I was away?
It’s good to be back!
Welcome home! Glad you had a wonderful time, nothing like going home even in 110 degree heat:)
What a fun exhibit…so different and fascinating, takes glass blowing to new heights and I see your adorable boys enjoyed it too! Have a great day Elizabeth 🙂
Your boys are so cute. They must have LOVED this. Dallas just seems like a fun place. xo
You are so right in your description – his works is very much a'la Dr. Seuss {and who doesn't feel like smiling at everything Seuss}.
I've always loved Chihuly's work and how he displays the finished pieces with in simple surroundings.
We had so much fun one year blowing glass in Kentucky and there were some Chihuly glass works of art. Truly mind blowing! Your boys are growing so fast and looking great too.
pve
Beautiful images, so striking! I am glad you were our tour guide for this experience. The boat with the balls is my favorite. How can I work one of this sculptures into my Hamptons landscape?!
I saw his exhibit at the MFA. Loved it! I have also seen a lot of his work in Vail in Beaver Creek. He is so talented! Hope you had a great trip. xx
I have been lucky enough to see his work a few times. There are some gorgeous pieces. and no matter how many times I see the boat installation, I still love it!
We were fortunate to see Chihuly's work at the NY Botanical Gardens and even the boys were amazed. His creations are magical and how fun you got to see them in a garden context as well. Welcome back to beautiful weather!
xxoo
C + C
Elizabeth-
His work is stunning. I have always been amazed at how beautiful these glass blowers can create such masterpieces. Just gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing, and have a great trip.
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Hi Elizabeth! I did a post on Chihuly this past week also, since his exhibit is coming our way this fall, and they installed an outdoor piece last week for it. I have never seen any of his work in person, but I die over it every time I see his gems.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
welcome back! his work is in Bellagio lobby too, right?
Saw his work at the Phipps Conservatory here a few years ago – A-mazing! Photos are pretty, but up close and personal – wow!
xo Cathy
You know I am a fan and I look forward to seeing more of his work around Seattle. These are really impressive and different work of his than I have seen before…loved the ones on the water and incorporated into the flowers…wow! He is a genius.
Elizabeth Chihuly's art glass is so amazing I have never seen it in a context like this! Some of it is so organic!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series featuring Harrison Howard
This was truly amazing, Elizabeth! I would love to get to see this in person! Your boys are precious as well! Thanks for sharing this with us and I hope you are having a wonderful time!
I love Chihuly!! He has a truly amazing piece in the V&A in London that is a wonderful counterpoint to the traditional architecture. Welcome home!!
Elizabeth,
The kids are adorable and looks like you all had fun at this amazing exhibit. I like those floating balls, and all the different shapes and colors.. wow!
leslie
Yes, love his work. The Mint Museum has a huge installation in the lobby.
I've seen other bloggers cover this artist and I have to say, each time I see it its so fresh and new and totally captivating! LOVE it, great post E!
Yes, I had the pleasure of seeing his glass at the Bronx Botantical Garden and of course at the Bellagio! Such creativity!
We had this installation at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and I, too was not blown away with the idea of it, but once I saw it, I became a great fan. Then Dale made a beautiful piece that was donated to the Atlanta Ballet and it sits on the director's table in the board room and I get to appreciate it every time we meet. I feel very protective of it and I'm glad you enjoyed your visit home. Those are some very cute art lovers you are raising there!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
Welcome back Elizabeth!
No way – how amazing is that! I especially like that tall, narrow prickly piece (yellow).
In May they actually opened up a Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition in Seattle. I have never been but I know where I will be taking my kids this weekend!
I am back after a long time off blog land. (I was so drained, Elizabeth). Now I am back rested and happy.
ox Mon
P.S Your boys are so handsome! And look at them clicking away with their cameras! (:
Our nanny cannot stop raving about the exhibit and said seeing it at night is incredible. Alas, we are out of town again. I need to check to see when it ends…we are members and I'd had to miss it! Hope you had fun in Dallas…and hope not to miss you next time you are in town.
Dale Chihuly is a master; such a great exhibit! Pure talent!!! Thanks for sharing. Next time I'm in Dallas, and get a chance to stop by, I will do it!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
This is fantastic! We have two large Chihuly pieces in our art museum here in Omaha.. he came for a Joslyn Fundraiser one year.. I'm actually not that fond of our pieces – they are super busy and sort of the focal points of our museum.. but I love seeing his work here! I prefer the works with less color – ours look more like a crazy collection of Christmas ornaments in hundreds of colors!
Thanks for taking the time to share!
XO
Jan
He is such a talented artist! I remember studying his work in college! I love the ferns…so cool!!! Glad you got to get back to your hometown. I was in Houston this past weekend, visiting old friends.
http://www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
WOW. I am familiar with Chihuly and his art, but that exhibit is spectacular!!
Looks like so much fun! I'm glad you're back, I missed you!
VERY COOL! I can see why a kiddo like yours would love it!
Oh I have loved Chihuly my whole life! I've seen exhibits in Venice and Seattle. How great that he went to Big D!