This year the New York Botanical Garden will present a monumental  installation of major works by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly. The artist, who began his career as an interior architect, has a lifelong fascination with glasshouses that has evolved into a series of exhibitions within botanical setting that began in 2001. First at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, and then the presentation of monumental glass sculptures and installations at the New York Botanical Garden, in 2006, Chihuly’s investigations into the magic that occurs when glass, neon and botanical design merge has led to a long-term relationship with NYBG. 

The opening weekend, April 22-23 is timed to a garden-wide Earth Day Celebration, with  a parade of performing artists in a parade of giant puppets, drummers, and stilt walkers. Additionally, the garden is offering numerous Chihuly Nights that run through the end of October, giving visitors the opportunity to experience these multifaceted glass and neon sculptures against the garden’s living canvas, with a rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians setting the stage for an exciting theatrical experience. The LuEsther T. Mertz Library’s art gallery will present an exhibition of the artist’s smaller works in glass along with drawings and paintings. Above: Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Star, 2016. Below: Dale Chihuly, Boathouse 7 Neon, 2016

Above: Dale Chihuly, Yellow Boat, Walla Wallas, & Red Reeds, The New York Botanical Garden, 2006

Other special events include the Plein Air Invitational on June 11, in which more than 20 established artists will take over the garden in a public display of talent and technique. Visitors are invited to drop in and draw in informal sessions with visiting plein air painters. On the weekend of August 12-13, the garden presents glass fire working demonstrations by local New York artists. Throughout the seasons, the Chihuly Interactive Guide will enable visitors to use their smartphones to navigate the terrain and the artworks as well as to share their own photos of art and the process of creation.

For more information and tickets, please visit the garden’s website.
In the meantime, visit the New York Botanical Garden’s 15^th annual orchid show, this year celebrating the garden arts of Thailand, opening Saturday, February 18^th.  Info Above: The Orchid Show 2016, in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory