Last week, a couple friends and I visited Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in 
Nashville where they’re currently featuring a Chihuly exhibit. Until about two years ago, I was unfamiliar with this artist – then we visited another exhibition at Biltmore Estate in NC, which resulted in me becoming a big fan. I’d never been to Cheekwood, but the grounds are beautiful and the artwork speaks for itself, as you can tell by the pictures.
We enjoyed meandering through the gardens and gazing in awe at the outside sculptures first, then moved on into the mansion for a tour – just in time, because the rain started right as we entered. The library was my favorite room (duh) – all those old books, and such a fantastic collection! If I’d been the guide in that room, no doubt I’d be fired for sitting down and reading all day instead of doing my job.
We thought we’d seen all the Chihuly exhibits, but were surprised to find more in the gallery inside the mansion. None of us were aware he also did pedestal works, but as you can see from the first picture below, they’re also gorgeous. It was nice to get away for a few hours and venture out into civilization. Other visitors maintained their distance, and every person we encountered was masked.
As a reminder, I still have spots available for Bad Moon Rising in October – free publicity! For more details, click HERE.
Books and Such 
Wonderful photos, Teri! I’ve never been to Cheekwood (yet!) but I do love the Biltmore Estate, and was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes tour of all the filming locations from Last of the Mohicans. That was fabulous.
Looks like that art exhibit at Cheekwood was fantastic! Thanks for sharing. And I’m looking forward for Bad Moon Rising to arrive, though I’m afraid I have nothing to contribute, myself. Can’t wait. 🙂
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The behind the scenes tour for Last of the Mohicans would have been so interesting – loved that movie, and we lived in SC at the time, so it wouldn’t have been a long trip to get there.
Cheekwood was lovely – a perfect place to take a book, some lunch, and find a secluded spot on the grounds to read after admiring all the Chihuly art.
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I was an LOTM fanatic for many years, and belonged to an online group who had a “Great Mohican Gathering” in Chimney Rock, NC, for years. We visited all sorts of scenes from the movie, many of which were immediately recognizable. We even climbed all the way up to the “sacred rock” where Daniel Day-Lewis and the “other two,” stood at the end of the movie. 😀 (I seem to remember there were other people in the film besides DD-L, but who cares? 😀 )
It was at one of those Gatherings that we booked a group tour at the Biltmore, but it’s fabulous all by itself, of course, as you’ve seen. I may live in Florida, but my heart is in those mountains.
I’ve put Cheekwood on my To Visit list. Assuming I ever feel safe enough to travel again. It sounds wonderful. 🙂
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I love Chihuly´s work and have been a fan for many years. What a great setting. It is nice to get away for a bit.
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It really was, Darlene – a nice day was had by all. I’m still shocked it’s taken me this long to discover his art – guess I had my nose stuck in a book, lol.
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Being from the Pacific NW, his was a household name. Pleased to see his work displayed all over now. xo
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Teri, thanks for this lovely stroll. Such a nice escape. Hugs on the wing.
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It really was a nice way to spend an afternoon. Glad you came along for the stroll, Teagan!
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Those are beautiful. Looks like an amazing day out.
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Aren’t they? And other than the humidity, it was an amazing day.
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Thanks for taking us along Teri. The exhibits are amazing.
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The pics don’t do the art justice, Jill – such vibrant colors and delicate glasswork.
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Love Chihuly!
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I’m a confirmed fan now, Cynthia.
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This exhibit is so cool. I don’t think I’ve ever come across it before. At least not that I remember. Thank you for sharing photos ❤️
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I wasn’t familiar with his work until the Biltmore visit, Tessa. The same friend I traveled to Cheekwood with introduced me to him in NC.
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I really like Chihuly, Teri. That red tree is amazing! There’s a permanent installation in Seattle that I’ve visited once during the day and once at night. It’s pretty stunning. Great share!
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The exhibit is here until January, so we’re hoping we can get back for a night visit. I bet it’s stunning.
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Try to. It’s spectacular.
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Oooh, I was totally unfamiliar with Chihuly. What stunning pieces, inside and out. I would so love to visit. Thanks for sharing those wonderful photos!
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As I told Jill, the pics don’t do the art justice, Mae. It’s beyond my comprehension that you can make glass look that way. You’re welcome!
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Glass art is SO pretty! I bet the exhibition is wonderful.
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Just beautiful, Priscilla. I’d love to see the sculptures at night.
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A lovely visit, Teri. The pedestals are beautiful.
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Those were new for all of us. It was only my second Chihuly exhibit, but my other friends had seen several more and were unaware of the pedestal art.
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Amazing glass work! I’d love to see it in real life. Glad you had a chance to explore, Teri 🙂
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Maybe there will be a showing in your area, Jacquie. And it sure was nice to be out and about for a change.
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I have discovered dale Chihuli since I’ve read Full Tilt by Emma Scott! I was so enamored by his art that for our last trip to the uSA I made us stop in Colorado Spring where there is a museum with his creations and visit the Bellagio in las vegas!
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That sounds like an awesome trip, Sophie! Pretty cool you learned about Chihuly from a book – so many benefits to reading, right?
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Great post, Teri. Thanks for taking us along.
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Glad you could make the trip, John!
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Glad you enjoyed the exhibit, and made it inside before the rain started. I’d be fired for not doing my job because I was so busy reading too. 😉
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Yep – I’d be curled up on those hundred-year-old sofas no one’s supposed to be sitting on completely immersed in a book.
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Me too, LOL!
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I must live in a bubble. (Well, who doesn’t these days?) I never heard of Chihuly. The pictures are lovely. I wish I could see these in person. That tree is gorgeous.
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I wasn’t enlightened until two years ago, Staci, but then it seemed like everyone had heard of him except me. So many gorgeous sculptures, it was hard to decide which pics to post.
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Chihuly does incredible work. all right.
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Just mind-blowing, Deby. Such talent.
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Wow, what a cool place! Would love to visit there one day. If we’re ever allowed to leave our countries again.
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Exactly! Hubby and I were planning a trip to Italy when all this happened – we were supposed to leave next month. *Sigh* Maybe I can find a virtual tour somewhere online.
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We’re supposed to be in north Queensland (which is like Florida) at the end of this week. Instead, we’re stuck in dreary Victoria (um, Wisconsin in winter maybe?) and haven’t seen the sun in about four months. SO over it!
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