“We are taking Dorrance Hall, which is probably 4,000 square feet of exhibition space, and creating six stagings inside that building. “Never before have we had an interior presentation,” Schutz says. Moreover, for the first time ever, some of Chihuly’s works will be staged inside of the garden’s Dorrance Hall for what Schutz believes will be considered the highlight of the exhibition. None of the pieces in this exhibition have ever before been displayed at Desert Botanical Garden. The garden’s executive director Ken Schutz says that in addition to several new forms, some popular ones make encore appearances, albeit in different colors. Gardens and architecture both play a key role in Dale’s history.”Ĭhihuly’s artwork has graced Desert Botanical Garden twice before - once in 2008–2009 and again in 2013–2014. “Desert Botanical Garden offers the opportunity to present Dale’s work against the beautiful desert landscape while Taliesin West allows him to show his work against the inspiring architecture of American icon Frank Lloyd Wright. “This exhibition is special because it includes two very distinct locations,” Cornett says. Combining art, architecture and nature, the glass artist’s masterpieces will stun from day to night as color, light and form come alive for the first time ever at two locations for a joint exhibition.

“He approaches every site - whether in a garden or a museum - with the intention to create unexpected experiences.”Ĭhihuly this month returns to the Sonoran Desert with a new exhibition at not just one but two of Arizona’s most iconic venues - Desert Botanical Garden and Taliesin West. “But what is most important to him when developing an exhibition is the environment,” says Britt Cornett, director of exhibitions for Chihuly Studio. Glass artist Dale Chihuly has found inspiration in a variety of ways over the years. Photography Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

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