Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in the whole world–and I’ve been to a lot of places. This year, the Garden brought in glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly. It’s not the first time Chihuly has been in the garden. There are two permanent sculptures at the entrance.
Occasionally, people think the sculptures are real and ask what kind of plants they are. I always say, “Chihuly” and people think it’s a kind of cactus.
The thin red poles look balanced between the green cacti.
The mix of of spheres and pipes make an interesting grouping with the blue agave.
The sculptures have to be dusted several times a week. This one is about 20 feet tall. Dusting it must be fun.
This round shape is amazing. I love how these shapes fit into the desert landscape.
This color almost seems like a black and white in this photograph.
Nothing like polka dots to brighten the day. This is a great exhibit. If you are in the Phoenix area, don’t miss it.
QuinnCreative 
If you’re interested I have a FB album full of photos of the Chihuly Exhibit in St. Louis….not all of the pieces by any means. We are already FaceBook friends and I think the album is named for Chihuly.
Ooops, I didn’t intend to b anonymous. That would make it hard for you to see the album, wouldn’t it?
I’ll have to go look it up. I’ve seen photos in other places, and it is so cool to see how his work looks in different settings.
My sister-in-law and brother-in-law live in Tempe. I am not sure if they are familiar with the Desert Botanical Gardens or Chihuly but I plan to send them this post so they can read about both. Thanks for the “tip”. Chihuly’s art is amazing!
Depending where in Tempe they live, they could be as close as two miles away–the DBG is directly across the (fake) Lake from Tempe. But then again, it depends if they are naturalists. One of the funny things about this area is that all the maps show rivers, but their are just arroyos–dried river beds. Tempe dammed up part of the Salt River (with rubber dams) and then fills the lake to keep it as an attraction.
These photos of his work are truly amazing! I was not familiar with his work but have now fallen in love with it! Thanks for the introduction to this talented artist.
Love…love…love Chihuly. Thanks for sharing these. And – wishing you and yours all the best in this up and coming new year – :-)!
The best of all years for you, too, Marcie!
Love Chihuly! Have been to his museum display in Seattle. Wonderful!
He has a big vision, doesn’t he?
Beautiful. I can hardly wait to go explore in the gardens this weekend! Chihuly Glass Art and botanical gardens are a perfect match.
And have a bite at Gertrude’s, the new restaurant. Fabulous!
My husband and I will be in Tucson for 2 weeks at the end of February and we are planning a trip up to see this when we come. We both love Chihuly and are really looking forward to seeing this. The desert is the perfect place for him since the work must really stand out! I can’t wait!
I would love to meet you,if you have time and both our schedules permit. You will love the DBG, but take the offered map they give you!
Love his work! Thanks for sharing this exhibit! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I’m so glad you posted this. It’s really nice to see what he does in different Botanical Gardens. He did an installation at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and I ended up taking about 100 photos. Several of the pieces are now on permanent exhibit.
The two big green glass pieces are on permanent display, too. I’d love to see the installation in St. Louis.
Wonderful! Literally. But is there any other way of displaying these artworks? For example those aloe-like sculptures in the first picture just would not look that good in someone’s living room. Not that I’m complaining or anything, just wondering. They are so perfect where they are. 🙂
These glass pieces were designed specifically for the desert botanical garden. Chihuly does big installations. Some of them hang from ceilings (there is a big one hanging from the archway that protects the succulent garden from harsh sun). Some float in the riparian area’s pond. But I’ve never seen one small enough to have in your living room–unless you have a very big house.
Well, that explains it. And someone somewhere probably does have a house big enough. 😉
I’m sure there are several in the metro Phoenix area. Easy.
I LOVE Chihuly! He is the one that has the beautiful colored glass flowers on the ceiling in the Bellagio Hotel Lobby in Las Vegas. He’s AMAZING and they all look so real! I would love to see the Phoenix exhibit!