Art, Nature Collide At Denver Botanic Gardens 'Chihuly' Exhibit

DENVER (CBS4) - Something new is blooming at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and these blooms will last all summer.

Sculptures from one of the world's most famous glass artists, Dale Chihuly, are planted throughout the gardens as part of their "Chihuly" exhibit, which opens to the public on Saturday.

"I would say his work is pretty organic in nature and that would be the way he approaches things," said Britt Cornett, the head of the exhibition.

Chihuly created a blue icicle tower specifically for the DBG show. Cornett says it "plays off the beautiful landscaping."

Another showstopper is "The Summer Sun" which has 1,900 pieces. It's 14 feet in diameter and took five days to assemble.

"I think if you take a look here at the garden, this amphitheater and the beautiful architecture of the tropical conservatory ... it's just an ideal spot for it," Cornett said.

PHOTO GALLERY: 'Chihuly' At Denver Botanic Gardens

Smaller, more subtle pieces float in the water features and sprout in the perennial walk.

"He likes his work to look as if it could have come from nature," said Cornett.

Each piece featured in the exhibit was was individually boxed and transported from Chihuly's workshop in Washington state. Seven semi trucks were used for the move.

The exhibit runs through Nov. 30.

LINK: Chihuly