My parents are visiting this week from SC. On Thursday afternoon, we visited the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. A spectacular exhibit of Dale Chihuly art is displayed throughout the conservatory as well as a "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit.

Grandma Joan and Papa Bill with the boys in front of Dale Chihuly

"Anemones"--'wall mounted art that appear animated'.

A Chihuly "chandelier"--'a mass of simple blown glass parts brought

together to produce suspended sculptures'.

This is a "small" version of the impressive Lobby ceiling at the Bellagio

in Las Vegas (which I've never seen) constructed of Chihuly "Persians".

Papa and Noah outside a "whispering cave". Noah made a beautiful piece

of "spin art" and is proudly showing it to all.

The "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit was absolutely breathtaking.

Outside the exhibit is a sanctuary where the butterflies are just

ready to emerge from their chrysallis. Once "free", the butterflies fly freely

in the exhibit. The following few pictures were taken inside the exhibit.

Papa, Alexander and Noah all had "friends" land on them.

Below, Alexander has a butterfly resting on his hand.

Chihuly "Torchier" rising from "Annie's Pond" in the Pacific Island Water

Gardens home to the "Butterfly in Blooms" exhibit.

A butterfly visiting Dad's sleeve. Mom and I noticed that the butterflies,

for the most part, tend to gravitate toward items that matched their colors.

Another Chihuly "chandelier" in the West Terrace.

Chihuly "Floats"
"Macchia" is the Italian word for "spotted". Different colors are used in

the interior, exterior and lip of the "Macchia".

The "Boat"--Dale Chihuly uncovered this rowboat during a visit to Finland.

"Reeds" are formed when 'one glassblower, positioned in a mechanical lift, is raised off the ground while holding the "gather" of glass on a blowpipe. As he blows the glass, the lift is sent upwards and another glassblower pulls the glass down from below'. There are several "reed" exhibits throughout the conservatory, but the blue 'reeds' outside are the most breathtaking.

The flowers throughout the conservatory were marvelous.

Below are some of my favorite flower pictures.

We had a wonderful afternoon admiring the Franklin Park Conservatory

and all the beauty it offers.