Dale Chihuly, “Colorado,” 2013, Collection Denver Botanic Gardens
Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin/Denver Botanic Gardens

“Colorado,” a new Dale Chihuly work of art is now on view in Denver Botanic Gardens’ Ellipse garden. The work has been added to the Gardens’ permanent collection through the generosity of private donors including Robert and Judi Newman, John and Ginny Freyer and the RC Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee. It is comprised of 1,017 hand-blown glass elements and stands over 14 feet tall. Viewing of Colorado is included in Gardens’ admission.

Chihuly used a red, orange and yellow color palette as it reminded him of the beautiful skies and sunsets he has enjoyed during Denver visits. He drew inspiration for the new work from one of his most challenging outdoor installations, Icicle Creek Chandelier, a permanent outdoor installation he did in 1996 at Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, Washington. Installed on a granite rock, the chandelier is a permanent reminder of how a work of art can be framed in nature and find harmony within it. Like Icicle Creek Chandelier, “Colorado” is designed to sustain similar outdoor weather conditions.