DALE CHIHULY ILLUMINATES CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN & MUSEUM OF ART WITH STUNNING EXHIBITION
Chihuly at Cheekwood Exhibition opens May 25, 2010
Internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly has dazzled audiences across the globe with his brilliant visions in glass for more than three decades. From May 25 through Oct. 31, 2010, Chihuly and his team of artisans will transform Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art into an enchanting wonderland of color, light, and form, both in the galleries and throughout the botanical garden.
Chihuly at Cheekwood will take visitors on a fascinating journey into the garden, the Museum of Art, and the Courtyard Gallery with exclusive works designed specifically to blend harmoniously with Cheekwood’s natural setting. Taking his inspiration from Cheekwood’s rich landscape, Chihuly will astound visitors with Mille Fiori (Italian for “A thousand flowers”), a grouping of thousands of vibrant glass structures reminiscent of lavish plant life, that perfectly complements the gardens at Cheekwood. Visitors will have the honor of seeing Chihuly debut a new combination of colors and parts in the Silvered Purple Herons andCobalt Eelgrass installation that will be on display in Cheekwood’s grotto beneath the Museum of Art. Teal will also be incorporated into Chihuly’s work for the first time, and will be showcased on the dazzling chandeliers that will be presented in Cheekwood’s Loggia.
Guests will also be amazed by works drawn from most of Chihuly’s well-known series, including Macchia, a collection of intricately colored vases with gently curving forms; Cattails, with stunning amber ripples emerging straight from the Earth;Walla Wallas, beautiful fluid forms floating gracefully in the water gardens, The Sun, a 15-foot radiant yellow orb vividly placed on the front lawn of the Museum of Art; Reeds; a dramatic set of spiked glass stretching toward the trees; Polyvitro Crystals;glistening abstract forms scattered within the pond in the Howe Wildflower garden; Saffron Tower, a striking large scale work with 30 feet of neon yellow glass; and a host of other dramatic indoor and outdoor creations.
“There is no better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to present a truly magnificent exhibition from a world-renowned artist like Dale Chihuly,” said Bill Andrews, Chairman, Cheekwood Board of Trustees. “Chihuly at Cheekwood offers visitors and members a rare opportunity to explore the synergy that exists between art and gardens, and to experience the brilliant imagination of this masterful artist and his team.”
Cheekwood’s Courtyard Gallery will serve as the halfway point of the Chihuly at Cheekwood walking tour, and the educational hub of the exhibition. Guests can take a break, relax, and learn more about the artist and the glass blowing process through the presentation of video, photographs and didactic material. Guests will also have the opportunity to view Chihuly in the Hotshop, the acclaimed documentary directed by Peter West that ambitiously reflects the sum total of Chihuly’s work in glass over the last 30 years, and offers a front-row seat to the intensive glass blowing process. The Courtyard Gallery is generously sponsored by Chubb and Wade & Egbert.
During Chihuly at Cheekwood, all ticketing will take place at Botanic Hall, where members and guests will receive wristbands that are required to enter the exhibition. Visitors will explore the exhibition through a mapped, self-guided walking tour of our grounds. General Admission during Chihuly at Cheekwood will be $15/adults, $12/Seniors and College Students, and $8/Children 6-17. Group rates are also available with advance reservation for groups of 12 or more by calling 615-353-9827. Cheekwood will be closed to the public from Thursday, May 20 through Monday, May 24 in preparation for the exhibition. A preview for Members only will be held on May 23 and May 24. For information on membership at Cheekwood please call 353-6979 or visit cheekwood.org.
Chihuly at Cheekwood Sponsors
Cheekwood gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our Chihuly at Cheekwood exhibition sponsors: First Tennessee Bank, HCA, and Lexus of Nashville. Additional sponsors include: Chubb, Wade & Egbert, Bridgestone, Music City Tents & Events, Gaylord Hotels, Brassfield & Gorrie, Enterprise Electric and Lipman.
Nashville Arts Institutions Collaborate, Offering Reciprocal Ticketing Discounts to Members and Subscribers
Cheekwood is thrilled to collaborate closely with the Frist Center for Visual Arts and the Nashville Symphony to bring Chihuly’s art to the Middle Tennessee community. In addition to the Chihuly at Cheekwood exhibit, Chihuly’s art will also be on display at the Frist Center for Visual Arts, and the Nashville Symphony will present a special performance of Bluebeard’s Castle that incorporates a dramatic installation of Chihuly’s work.
Please visit www.chihulyinnashville.com for continuously updated program information to help plan your visit to Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, the Frist Center for Visual Arts and the Nashville Symphony. Chihuly program highlights at the Frist Center and the Nashville Symphony include:
