I do love Chihuly. So when we were in Phoenix recently, I was delighted to learn that there was not one, but two, Chilhuly exhibits in town. Luckily for me, my friends were willing and interested in an adventure, seeing both exhibits in one day!
Friday, February 25, was Chilhuly Day for us in Phoenix. We purchased our tickets in advanced. The morning was devoted to the “Chihuly In The Desert” at the Desert Botanical Gardens, where the art often imitated the nearby cacti. The late afternoon was devoted to a tour of Frank Llyod Wright’s Taliesin West and the Chihuly pieces chosen to fit this unique architectural site.
I had been to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix many years ago. Even then, there were a few Chilhuly pieces at the entrance. But I had only seen a small part of the gardens. Since I came with a group, we were kept close by on the paths near the front. This time my friends and I walked the entire grounds!!! We saw everything that was outside; the Apache household and native crops; the cactus and succulent galleries; the Agave yucca forest and more. In each area, we looked for and admired the Chilhuly glass that was selected to highlight the natural art.
My favorite natural beauty was the crested cactus. That was truly something amazing. As well as the giant cactus that were highlighted by Chilhuly purple reeds. I also loved this smaller twisted cactus! Another amazing cactus insight was that birds make nests inside the cactus. All those holes in a cactus are often a birds nest! A special protection coating is formed to protect the cactus and make a home for the bird. It looks like a boot!! We were also lucky as the cacti were beginning to bloom. So pretty!
From my friend, who lives in Phoenix, I learned that pretty cactus are not NICE. Some can almost leap onto you. While another, that looks like it has a soft beard, in reality has a white soft looking collection of barbs. DO NOT TOUCH. She continued to tell us to STAY BACK. DON’T get so close.
As for the Chilhuly, my favorite pieces included a giant gold, cream and white swirling tall collection of twisted tubes that reminded me of a yucca in bloom. My other favorite was a grouping of red, orange and purple reed like glass that made me think of flamingos. Of course, for anyone who knows me well, I loved the blue reeds!
I will admit, that it was not until we were leaving that we realized there was another exhibit of Chilhuly glass in a gallery. But we did not have time to admire it. We had timed tickets for our second glass adventure.
I really knew nothing about Taliesin West before this trip. I have driven past Taliesin East in Wisconsin and been to a Frank Lloyd Wright house at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville. (See Blog Below about another Chilhuly adventure there.). But I really had not much information about Taliesin West until I learned about the Chilhuly exhibit. Then I had to go and see the compound and the art glass.
Throughout the grounds, Chilhuly glass was displayed in ways to enhance the prairie style buildings. My favorite, once again, mixed white gold and cream, with some sparkle right at the center of the complex, near the bubbling water pond. The mass amount of red glass reeds displayed around the front of the home, some in dyed black water, was also fascinating. And the view from the apex of the higher ground as spectacular. Well worth the visit!
As for Taliesin West. Wow. His original plan to keep all the buildings open must have seen like a good idea. But when I think about the heat in Phoenix, I am glad he gave in to his wife and closed the buildings in adding air conditioning! I guess I am not a Frank Lloyd Wright purist. For me the most interesting parts were the actual drafting room where other architects came to study with him and the small theater.
I loved my day of Chilhuly, being with my friends, and enjoying these two special places in the Phoenix area. A double dose of Chilhuly was definitely worth it for me.
zicharonot 