Chihuly at Night, Biltmore House, Asheville NC

“Glass is the most magical of all materials. It transmits light in a special way.” – Dale Chihuly

The Biltmore Gardens in Asheville NC feature acres of formal and informal gardens designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.

This summer the gardens are made even more special with the temporary exhibiton of Chihuly glass sculptures set in several of the gardens and the conservatory.

Most of the sculptures are set in a garden setting, amidst roses and lilies, in compositions with ornate marble sculptures, or floating midst water features. (Only one piece is in the house itself.)

These three photographs are along the walkway that leads from the Library Terace to the Walled Gardens. As it was raining the only evening we had access to the Chihuly at Night event, I spent a good amount of time in this area, setting up shots while being protected somewhat by the terrace cover. Likely these are not the pieces I would have photographed if the other garden areas had not been rained out, but I rather like this particular display, the melding of traditional and contemporary art.