The Life & Times of the Marshall's

So this weekend we decided to visit the Dallas Arboretum one week before the "official opening" of 'CHIHULY at the Dallas Arboretum.' Wow, how amazing it was to see, and fun to watch them constructing and assembling some of the pieces.

We have been members for many years and enjoy going here, and as a matter of fact this is the place where I proposed to Meredith almost 5 years ago! Each season they have great themes and the gardens are always amazing, but this is by far the greatest thing they have done. These glass blow sculptures by Dale Chihuly are incredible!!

“Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum” runs from May 5 – November 5, 2012 and will feature dramatic glass sculptures in more than 15 locations throughout the 66-acre Arboretum. According to the Huffington Post three of the pieces in the show have never been seen before; In fact, they don't even have names yet! We are unsure of the names too, as there were not signage or anyone to ask. The Dallas Business Journal stated that it took five tractor trailer truck to transport these works of art and a cost of about $1.8 million to the Arboretum to sustain, including security and extra staff. Back in January the Dallas Morning News described Chihuly as "one of the most prolific and influential glass artists of his generation, with works in more than 200 museum collections worldwide." His latest book Chihuly Garden Installations showcases Chihuly’s unique glass sculptures positioned among the plants, flowers, and landscapes of some of the world’s finest gardens and conservatories. A must have book!!!

The Dallas Arboretum will also be hosting "Chihuly Nights". They are not usually open at night except for the summer Concerts. We saw the crew of workers this weekend installing all kinds of lighting all around the place and the sculptures. We cannot wait to see the hand-blown glass all lit up at night. Stay tuned for those photos!!

Here are a few of my favorite photos that I took; keep in mind that many of the areas were still in construction phase (yellow caution tape was everywhere!) This is most definitely one thing you want to see before it ends. You have plenty of time to go see this amazing display!