For nine years Dallas Arboretum Executive Director Mary Brinegar has been trying to figure out how to marry up the Arboretum with Dale Chihuly‘s artwork. There were so many possibilities, but there were just as many challenges to bring the two together. Ah, but Mary is not one to give up. No, when she sets her blue eyes on a goal, it’s just a matter of time before she’ll make it happen.
In January it was announced that her longtime mission was going to take place — Chilhuly at the Dallas Arboretum from May 5 to November 5, 2012. With the help of presenting sponsor AT&T and made possible by Bank of America, Mary is preparing for a mammoth turnout from around the region. She’s also seeing a marvelous opportunity to introduce extended hours for the gardens thanks to Chihuly Nights that will be illuminated by Cirro Eenrgy.
Such an amazing undertaking demanded a splashy kick off and so Wednesday night plans were revealed to the Arboretum board of directors and friends at Carol and George Postons’ home. As Delilah and Sam Boyd greeted one and all at the front door and the evening’s weather was still perfection, some guests wandered into the garden and met up with the Postons’ six tail-wagging Westies.
While inside others like Carol Seay recalled how the Postons house had suffered a major fire upstairs but luckily such precious items as their marvelous collection of Edward Cortes paintings escaped unscathed a couple of years ago. . . . Holly Reed reported that her five-day, 11-mile-a-day walk in New Zealand ended up being a six-day event. Thanks to the New Zealand scenery, she now has a large collection of photographs of waterfalls.
Arboretum Chair Brian Shivers and Gala Chair Kaki Hopkins, who just chaired the Dallas Opera’s “First Night” this past fall, revealed plans for the Friday, May 4 gala — “Chihuly Dallas: The Gala in the Garden.” Honorary chairs will be Caroline Rose Hunt and Margaret Crow with Dale and his wife, Leslie, in attendance. It will be an evening of dining under the stars and surrounded by the magnificent outdoor collection. Individual tickets will start at $500 with underwriting tables beginning at $25,000.
Jocelyn. White says
What a great write-up! With the indefatigable Kaki at the helm, this is shaping up to be a Magical Gala in the Garden!
Martha T. says
Glass with class!