The power of color

By: Madison Murray

Published On: June 21, 2010

Not unlike the Great Flood of 2010, an immensely strong force has taken over our city. Though this time, the powerful uproar arrived in the form of art, not Biblical amounts of rainfall. Dale Chihuly, recognized as a prolific creative force in the contemporary art world, is helping, in his own right, to re-build our city. With a truly magical aura, Chihuly’s art arrived in Nashville right when we needed it most. His hand-blown glass sculptures will dot the beautiful grounds of Cheekwood Mansion (as well as the Frist Center and the Symphony), with fun events surrounding the exhibit happening all summer and fall. Not only an artist, Chihuly considers himself a “colorist.” Azure, coral, citrine, viridian and jade intermingle in the massive glass pieces that are guaranteed to captivate Nashvillians of all ages. Right now, everyone deserves to escape reality for a day. In Chihuly’s work, there is solace, peace, happiness and most of all, hope. So go. Go alone and take time to contemplate in the shadows of these profound works. Or take the entire family, encouraging them to imagine and create. Either way, you won’t regret it.

Dig Deeper Tours

Every Saturday at 11:00 am, every Sunday at 1:00 pm through October

Guests will embark on a guided garden tour of Cheekwood’s living exhibitions with the expert garden guides, stopping to “dig deeper” and further explore Chihuly’s magnificent glass sculptures along the way. Tours are free and no reservation is required. All garden tours begin at Botanic Hall.

Gallery Insider Tours

Every Saturday at 11:00 am through October. 
Every Sunday at 1:00 pm through October

Guests will explore the galleries and collections with Cheekwood’s knowledgeable docents and discover Chihuly’s glass sculptures featured in and around the Museum of Art. Tours are free and no reservations are required. All tours meet in the Museum foyer.

Chihuly Nights

Thursday and Friday, May 27 – October 29, May – August: 4:30 – 10:00 pm, September - October: 4:30 – 9:00 pm

Ever taken in an art exhibition in the dark? Don’t miss Chihuly Nights every Thursday and Friday evening at Cheekwood. The beautiful grounds will be specially lit for strolling, and each of Chihuly’s installations will be brilliantly illuminated for a unique and stunning nighttime art experience. Refreshments will be available for purchase on site. Admission is $5 for members, and member children under 17 are admitted free. Regular gate admission rates apply to non-members.

Glassblowing Demonstration

Saturday, June 12, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Sunday, June 13, 11:00 am – 4:30 pm

Wondering how molten glass becomes a beautiful work of art? Observe the magic of glassblowing first-hand as glass artist Ryan Gothrup demonstrates the step-by-step process from start to finish. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how an artist’s vision and energy can transform into beautiful vessels, objects and sculptures.

Chihuly for the Day! Workshop for Kids

Saturday, June 19, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Discover the world of Chihuly while experimenting with cool mixed media, painting and drawing materials. $75 members, $100 non-members.

Lunch and Lecture

3rd Thursday of every month, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. $17 members / $25 non-members (includes lunch)

July 15: Creating the Color Garden: Chihuly Style,
August 19: The Studio Glass Movement: History and Evolution,
September 16: Behind the Scenes: Chihuly at Cheekwood

Chihuly in the Cheekwood Gift Shop

If you would like to take home your own piece of Chihuly, come into Cheekwood’s Gift Shop where you can view selected Studio Edition hand blown Artwork glass. Each Studio Edition is sold as an Ensemble that includes the Artwork, a Plexiglas display vitrine with a black base, a book specific to the Artwork series and a cleaning kit for the vitrine as well as an image document and certification number. For those interested in prints, we will also have available selected Original Limited Edition Prints signed by Dale Chihuly. These prints are numbered and are available framed and unframed and come with a certificate of authenticity. We also have a wide variety of Chihuly gift items including T-shirts, note cards, DVDs, art kits and more. The Cheekwood Gift Shop can also sell any item in the Chihuly catalog, including all Studio Edition Glass and Original Limited Edition Prints.