The marvels of nature and art intermingle with one another to create an abstract harmony encased in glass.

The Franklin Park Conservatory presents Chihuly at the Conservatory, an exhibition which features stunning glass artwork of renowned artist Dale Chihuly among the various plantlife housed in the conservatory.

For the past 30 years, Dale Chihuly has worked diligently to raise the public’s interest in glass as an art form, according to biographical information supplied by the Franklin Park Conservatory.

After studying glass both nationally and internation-ally, Chihuly co-founded Pilchuck Glass School in Washington in 1971. Since its inception, the school has established itself as an worldwide center for the development of glasswork as fine art.

Characteristic to Chihuly is his practice of infusing vibrant colors within each piece. He is best known for his large architectural installations, including works placed in Las Vegas’ Bellagio as well as the posh Atlantis resort located in the Bahamas.

“Chihuly has no restraints,” said Tom Hawk, owner of Hawk Galleries. “He has the freedom of a child and a tremendous imagination and knowledge of color.”

Art and plant lovers alike will truly enjoy the magnificent journey through the conservatory.

“I want my work to appear as if it came from nature, so that if someone found it they might believe it belonged there,” Chihuly said to a representative of the Conservatory.

The Pacific Islands region of the conservatory features several floating glass balls of varying shapes and colors in a pond filled with vibrant-colored goldfish. While watching the movements in the pond, art and nature truly appear to be imitating one another.

The Red Sunset Tower, a structure that strikes awe in observers through its 17 feet of rise is overwhelming upon first sight. Red, yellow and orange coils, accented by natural light, appear to be exploding from the earth.

In the Himalayans area, bright blue, yellow, green and red flower-shaped glass figures are arranged atop a thatched roof. As the sunlight shines through the artwork, the colorful display is breathtaking. The sounds of flowing water add to the peace and serenity of the magnificent exhibit.

Chihuly’s first major glasshouse exhibition, hosted by the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, was a remarkable success.

“We are thrilled to be chosen as the second Conservatory to showcase the spectacular glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly,” said Paul Redman, conservatory executive director.

“The selection of Columbus, and the Conservatory, is a testimony to the vibrancy of our city and the quality of the Franklin Park Conservatory,” Redman said.

Jennifer Lewis, a representative of the Chihuly team, said Chihuly is excited about being featured at the Conservatory because he has always been fond of Columbus.

After much deliberation, the conservatory board chose not to raise admissions prices during the Chihuly exhibit. They hope the decision opens availability to Columbus citizens.

The exhibit runs through March 21, 2004. More information regarding the exhibition can be found at www.fpconservatory.org.