ART, ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE UNITE ... “Chihuly in the Desert” Opening December 3
IN uncertain times this past year, one thing was clear: We are one team. The importance of community was highlighted when people came together to stay safe and support each other amid a global health crisis. As institutions continue to recover from COVID-19, it is great to see the community gathering together, especially at arts and cultural destinations. That unifying force of community is not lost in the Valley.
At Taliesin West, glass installations will be seen inside the building, on the lawns, floating on the water, and emerging from the desert. Each installation is a rich dialogue between Wright and Chihuly – pairing the work of two masters in a way that’s never been done before. The Desert Laboratory of Wright’s Taliesin West is an ideal backdrop for exploring the elements and principles of design, present in both Chihuly’s sculptures and Wright’s architecture.
For the first time ever, two of Arizona’s most iconic venues — Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West — will come together for a joint exhibition featuring stunning art by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
“Chihuly and Frank Lloyd Wright—two American originals taking inspiration from the country’s unique physical and cultural landscapes—are a perfect fit at Taliesin West,” says Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation President and CEO Stuart Graff. “With our World Heritage buildings and mountainous desert backdrop, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation presents its first exhibition of this kind, revealing how art, architecture, and nature come together to connect our visitors more deeply with the world around them.”
Chihuly in the Desert opens December 3 and runs through June 19. “The Garden is thrilled to bring Chihuly back to the Valley since its first show in 2008. We are co-presenting the exhibit with Taliesin West — both venues will be filled with extraordinary glass installations,” says Ken Schutz, the Garden’s executive director. “Partnering with Taliesin has been a rewarding experience, and I velieve our successful collaboration might serve as a model for other arts and cultural organizations in the Valley as they bring their programs back on line.” Chihuly in the Desert showcases Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of desert plants. The dynamic exhibition includes never-before-seen installations and is a mustsee throughout the seasons. 50
For more information, visit ChihulyintheDesert.org.
