Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Friday, May 26, 2023

Gardens & Works by Ebony G. Patterson …things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…begins May 27 at New York Botanical Garden #EbonyGPatterson #EbonyGPattersonNYBG

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

For my New York City Butterflies, here is a memorial day weekend recommendation for you!

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Contemporary Visual Artist and winner of the 2023 David C. Driskell Prize, Ebony G. Patterson's latest exhibition "things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…" is set to open to the public starting May 27 and run through September 17th, 2023. 

New York Botanical is showcasing creative women of color twice in a row, first with this year's Orchid Show with designer Lily Kwong and now with this exhibition by Ebony G. Patterson - and I am entirely here for it!

Ms. Patterson is the first visual artist ever to embed within the institution for an immersive residency. She worked directly with NYBG's gardens and collections to form a new body of work that brings her unique perspective on formal gardens to life within the 250-acre National Historic Landmark Landscape.

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Gardens tend to be celebrated when they are in full bloom, when they are fragrant and colorful. They don't get the same love when they are dormant or worse still decaying. But they are nonetheless an important part of the process and life, and this is what is explored in this new exhibition.

The exhibition reflects a deep engagement with the concept of gardens as human-made interventions in nature while shedding new light on the Botanical Garden. It aims to provide new pathways for engagement with the garden and the natural world. It explores that the processes of molting, shedding and decaying are actually revelatory processes that give way to healing, regeneration and ultimately beauty. Are gardens really burial grounds for history?

Outside of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory there are hundreds of vulture sculptures each doing something different but many are focused on flowers, flowers that include zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos rendered in blood-red hues, with ruptures that are being tended to by the vultures.Vultures remove dead and decaying animals from the environment. Patterson reveals that while they don't have the most glamorous job in nature, their work is nonetheless important. She refers to their essential ecosystem service as an "act of care".

 

In addition to the glitter encrusted vultures, there is also a monumental peacock sculpture! Patterson's work explores the entanglements of race, gender and colonialism while inviting visitors to contemplate their own relationships with gardens and the natural world.

Pricing:  

Adults: $35

Students (with Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $31

Children (2-12 years of age): $15

Children under 2: FREE

Patrons/Members: FREE

Wednesdays all day grounds access pass is FREE to NYC residents! Remember that Grounds Admission does not include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Special Exhibitions or Tram Tour. Visit nybg.org for more information on event calendar and ticket pricing.

MY TAKE: 

As a butterfly lover I have always marveled at Nature's ability to transform itself. A butterfly starts out as a caterpillar. Not the prettiest creature, but it transforms itself into a thing of delicate and graceful beauty. As you explore, make it a mindful meditation on ways you can shed what no longer serves you to emerge into a more beautiful version of yourself. (inner beauty and grace, not just outer!)

Readers Sound Off: What are your weekend plans?

Also, are you NYC central or will be this summer? If you would like me to host a giveaway for tickets to this exhibition, let us know in the comments and I will try my best to make it happen!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored/compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1


Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Catch Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden + Giant Pumpkin Weekend at @NYBG THIS WEEKEND!

On a super cloudy and overcast day I finally got the opportunity to check out the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden. I had been wanting to catch this exhibit all summer, but with a surgery early in the summer and some smaller procedures following, I needed time to heal.

Description: Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.

Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

My apologies to my local readers, as this post is normally accompanied by a ticket giveaway, I will work on something hopefully for the holidays. I am ramping up slowly and working on some fun surprises for our annual holiday gift guide which will have some gift suggestions that are sure to please!

The interconnectedness of things is a theme explored in this exhibit, and I was first greeted by this installation: I want to fly to the Universe (I took tons of photos as usual, but I plan to space them out!)



ABOVE: Original, un-edited Photo, I want to fly to the Universe by Yayoi Kusama, October 2021 taken at New York Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I am partnering with a very unique Photo Editing Software this year (hint, hint - stay tuned for something fun for YOU very soon!) I am testing out the software and after photo editing this shot, I was able to add some brightness and make the photo appear less overcast.













ABOVE: Same Photo edited using On1 HDR 2021 software

The enhancements are slight but make a world of difference, especially on the tree on the right hand side. My blog template is a little weird, so feel free to press on each photo individually to make them larger, you can hit escape to get back the article after you have viewed the photos. My template accepts JPEG photos so I have to convert the RAW files. I find the RAW files show more detail, but you can see the difference that the Photo Editing Software On1 made with this photo. (I will feature more photos from this exhibit counting down to Halloween). 

If you hit the New York Botanical Garden THIS weekend, you would get a chance to enjoy final days of the Kusama: Cosmic Nature Exhibit and also Giant Pumpkin Weekend. It would literally provide all the fun photo opp goodness you need in your social feed life right now! Here is me dorking out the last time I visited during Giant Pumpkin Weekend, check out this post HERE. (I was so focused on catching the different elements of this exhibit and the Farmers Market that I forgot to visit the Pumpkin Patch while I was there!)

NOTE: You must provide proof of vaccination along with your tickets upon entry. For a completely contactless experience have your app with proof of vaccination (yes you can show the actual card too but the app saves you time checking in and provides a more 'contactless' experience) and have your tickets handy on your phone also ready to be scanned. You will be given a time to visit the Kusama exhibit which means you won't have to worry about too many people around you, which I have to secretly admit I greatly appreciated! I also was asked to show my tickets to the exhibit to enter the gift shop so please note that just in case so you are not caught off guard.

Readers Sound Off: If you are visiting this weekend, please tag me on Twitter or on Instagram so I can see your cool photos! (@Ascending1 on both Twitter and Instagram and also use the Garden Hashtags and tag them as well @NYBG) Which photo above did you like best, the raw un-retouched version or the one I edited using On1? Also, what Photo Editing software are you using? (Did you know you can utilize On1 on both your computer and your phone, both Apple and Android? and the latest version also plays nicely with software you may already be using like Lightroom or Corel - for full disclosure I use multiple software!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no compensation has been received.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

(Not So) #Wordless Wednesday: YOU are cordially invited to a super lit Virtual "Happy Hour" hosted by @NYBG #OrchidNYBG #Photo and #Video

NOT SPONSORED!


Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Faceted Mirrored Vanda Flower Fountain - New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020


Are you feeling a bit stir crazy?

Would an in-depth guided virtual tour of The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope put a little 'spring' in your spring?

I got the chance to attend the Media Preview Day of New York Botanical Gardens 2020 Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope. I normally host a giveaway for our readers to have a chance to experience the exhibit via Orchid Evenings. But with the self quarantine and social distancing that is being enforced right now sadly NYBG is temporarily closed, but they are hosting an amazing virtual Happy Hour which I very much plan to attend and hope you can too!

Experience this year's exhibition without leaving home, RSVP for Orchid Evenings Highlights: Happy Hour at Home here: https://www.facebook.com/events/147013020084720/

It will be held on Thursday, April 9th between 5PM -6PM RSVP RIGHT NOW!!!

Pour your own cocktail and get ready to not only enjoy Orchids, but to get off your couch and turn your favorite room in your house into a dance floor. Dancer/Choreographer Princess Lockerooo, accessorize with simple DIY floral decorations and Bronx Night Market will share Happy Hour Recipes and Marc Hachadourian, NYBG's Senior Curator of Orchids will share about the mysterious night lives of many orchid species.

Even though I had the chance to attend the Media Preview Day, I will also attend the virtual happy hour tomorrow and I hope my butterflies will too.

Here is a quick sneak peek (Photos and Videos):

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Above: Jeff Leatham, Floral Designer, has worked with celebrities such as Oprah, Cher, and the Kardashians. His work is currently featured in the New York Botanical Garden's "The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope. Welcome Remarks from Jeff during the Media Preview Day.

I nabbed video of his closing remarks:



Above: So much love, work and man hours goes into The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden each year, Jeff hit the nail on the head when he said how truly amazing it is that this space is so utterly transformed from year to year into something new and entirely unforgettable. I am lucky enough to live near The New York Botanical Garden and have been visiting since I was a child. The creativity of the team and the visiting artists always amazes and inspires me.

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Above: Jeff was posing for a different Photographer in this shot. You guys know how much I love nabbing shots that are not what I feel 'totally posed and perfect', I try to capture a moment a feeling, and I also love that it looks like the Orchids are pointing straight to his heart as he put so much love into this exhibit!

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids, Rare Vanda Orchid
Above: This Vanda Orchid is super rare! You can press on this or any photo to see it in full size, sometimes my blog template tends to compress certain photos.

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Above: This Moth Orchid Photo was actually taken at a totally different angle. I took some time to play with this one in Corel Paintshop Pro X9 as I loved the light and airy springtime color combo! (Currently shooting with Nikon!)

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Above: Remember the Video I posted of The Three Graces Fountain inside The Enid A Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden on Instagram? (Refresh your memory: https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJumgmA8sK/) THIS is that same area made over for the new exhibit! Press this one to make it bigger! (and if you are not already, please follow Ascending Butterfly via Instagram, our handle is @Ascending1)

Orchid Show Jeff Leatham Kaleidoscope New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020, Flowers, Orchids
Above: You may remember a similar photo to this one (and the one above) contained in a brief video I posted on Instagram shortly after the media preview day here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gWH0nAQrs/

Isn't this passageway between exhibits awesome? It is an entire mood with its modern industrial vibe! 

I made a brief walking through the Kaleidoscopic Tunnel of Lights video below (pardon the ambient noise of people talking, I couldn't edit it out, so I sped it up a bit and added some background music):


Above: LED Lights transform this tunnel into a moving immersive experience!

MY TAKE:

As usual I took WAY more pictures than I could ever have time to Edit. I will definitely feature more soon.

I am saddened by the enforced quarantine keeping everyone from being able to immerse themselves in this amazing exhibit and experience Jeff Leatham's vision and creativity, but very happy about the Virtual Happy Hour!

I am hoping this Virtual Happy Hour will bring so many orchid and nature lovers together at the same time to celebrate the gifts that mother nature shares with us!

I love that NYBG is bringing the Orchid Evening Experience to everyone.

So this year I won't be able to host my annual giveaway of passes to the show, but now more readers who live in other states can get a chance to experience this for themselves.

Readers: If you are planning to RSVP please remember to use the link above to the RSVP Page, but I would love it if you took a moment to post here that you are attending!

Remember Butterflies: Please stay safe and stay home! 


And a special Thank You to all frontline, healthcare, law enforcement, firemen, truckers, delivery men and women who are essential personnel and are out there on the frontline every day!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway / Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fare - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Since #WordlessWednesday is a day to let the pictures do the talking, here is a visual representation of where I am at right now!

So my visit to the Cost Plus World Market Hello Kitty Pop Up Shop in New York City where there was a Japanese Calligrapher who I asked to spell out "Butterfly" instead of my actual name totally got me back into Calligraphy again. I used to do it when I was younger, but haven't whipped out my calligraphy pens in a very long time.

In Japanese Calligraphy, here is where I am at right now (at least emotionally):



My Take:

Right now I am definitely an "Ascending Butterfly in Transition"

It is hard to believe that in a few short weeks we will be ending an entire decade!

Are you ready for a new decade?

I am trying to start thinking about my "focus word/phrase" for 2020 - have you figured out yours already?

I also want to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Even if you do not do anything special to celebrate it - it is an amazing time of year to tally your blessings and take a moment to express your gratitude for all that has gone well this year.

READERS: Have you ever used the Kanji Name Generator to see your name in Japanese Calligraphy?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is NOT a Compensated Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, June 7, 2019

@NYBG Launches newest exhibit "BRAZILIAN MODERN: THE LIVING ART OF ROBERTO BURLE MARX" Saturday, July 8, 2019 #NYBG #plantlove

New York Botanical Garden Launches BRAZILIAN MODERN:  THE LIVING ART OF  ROBERTO BURLE MARX


Roberto Burle Marx (August 4, 1909 – June 4, 1994) was a Brazilian landscape architect, painter, print maker, ecologist, naturalist, artist and musician whose designs of parks and gardens and passionate commitment to plant conservation made him world-famous. He is accredited with having introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil. He was known as a modern nature artist and a public urban space designer. His work had a great influence on tropical garden design in the 20th century. Water gardens were a popular theme in his work. He was deftly able to transfer traditional artistic expressions such as graphic design, tapestry and folk art into his landscape designs. He also designed fabrics, jewelery and stage sets.  He was one of the first people to call for the conservation of Brazil's rainforests. More than 50 plants bear his name. He amassed a substantial collection of plants at his home, including more than 500 philodendrons.

I had the opportunity to attend the Media Preview Day for this amazing exhibit that opens Saturday, July 8, 2019 to the public.

The exhibit brings a taste of Brazil to New York City and I couldn't resist sharing this vibrant preview video from New York Botanical Garden:



Warning: For some reason my template is smushing my photos more than usual today so please press on them to see them full size.

We started off our morning right with amazing smoothies from the Merenda Food Truck!


Above: Merenda Food Truck, New York Botanical Garden, May 2019


Above: Nabbed a quick shot of the smoothie selection before Media grabbed them all up!


Above: Close Up of my Pineapple, Banana, Mango Smoothie from Merenda Food Truck


Above: We were able to stroll to the Enid Haupt Conservatory while enjoying our smoothies and arrived to the sounds of live Brazilian Music!


Above: Opening Remarks, Media Preview Day, Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, New York Botanical Garden, May 2019



Above: Left: Todd Forrest, Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at The New York Botanical Garden and Right: Raymond Jungles protégé of Roberto Burle Marx, and a Miami-based landscape designer, who was enlisted to capture the vision of his mentor and longtime friend, take Media through a walk through of the Modernist Garden where a recreated experience of strolling along the Portuguese stone mosaic of Rio's Atlântica Avenue boardwalk (which was designed by Burle Marx), which The New York Botanical Garden has recreated with painted asphalt with abstract, black and white waves.


Above: This fountain is replica of the artist's wall-sized concrete mural at the Banco Safra headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil.




Above: I even managed to nab video! You can hear Todd Forrest giving us an overview of the exhibit in conjunction with the sound of the fountain.


Above: Triangle Palm, Native to Madagascar, artist Burle Marx planted this tree throughout his estate carefully positioning each plant as a work of art

SPEAKING OF ART:



Above: Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Florida, Built 1999 -  2004

In the New York Botanical Garden - The LuEsther T. Mertz Library you will find art and special tapestries, Guest Curator Edward J. Sullivan introduced us to the exhibition and described the collection of curated paintings, drawings and textiles.

You know just how much I love EXPERIENCES, and the events this year at the Garden have included so many engaging activities, and this one was no exception, after we experienced the collection we got the opportunity to create our own art.


Above: In the The LuEsther T. Mertz Library we got the chance to create an azulejo, a style of painted tile that originated in Islamic Spain. Azulejos became a signature of Portuguese design in the 16th and 17th centuries often covering the walls of buildings. In colonial Brazil the decorative tiles also helped shield buildings from the heat and the humidity.


Above: Of course Ascending Butterfly needed to create a 'Butterfly Azulejo' and leave a piece of my creativity on the wall too! Here is a close up of my creation.


Above: First you got the closeup, now here is my Azulejo on the wall.


Above: A shot of others creating their Azulejos

Below: Be on the look out for quotes interspersed throughout the exhibits!


"Consider how each plant, possessing its own particular color, is enriched with meaning when juxtaposed with another color or another plant. In nature these relationships are not happenstance..." ~Roberto Burle Marx "Garden and Ecology" 1969

Schedule of events: https://www.nybg.org/event/the-living-art-of-roberto-burle-marx-2/

Opening Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, June 8 - 9, 2019

Ending: Sunday, September 29, 2019

WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York

My Take:

I have been visiting this New York City Landmark since childhood and have always been amazed at The New York Botanical Garden's amazing ability to take a space I know so well and continually transform it and reinvent it. Their exhibitions are imaginative and creative and this one is no exception.

Bringing a taste of Brazil to the Bronx was no easy feat with tropical trees arriving during a very cold and wet month of May. None died in transition, they proved to be much like the people who surround The New York Botanical Garden and live in it's surrounding community - strong and resilient!

Roberto Burle Marx led an amazing life, I was surprised to learn he started off as an Opera Singer, his journey from Opera Singer to landscape artist and ecologist is an interesting one. Much like the transition from caterpillar to butterfly don't you think? Starting off as one thing and then life turning you into that great thing you are meant to be.

I can't wait to see how this exhibition evolves and grows!

The official hashtag for The New York Botanical Garden Events this year is #plantlove so if you do attend the exhibit, please tag your photos with the official hashtag I would love to see them!

Little known trivia about me: I once worked with a VP in the Finance Industry much of his work took him to our offices in Brazil, the team there spoke both Spanish and Portuguese but very little English, and I spoke Spanish and English but very little Portuguese, over time we would teach other words and I was beginning to pick up a bit of Portuguese before I not only switched gears to a new job, but switched industries entirely.

I still have a love of Brazilian Music! I have not yet had the chance to visit Brazil and hope to remedy that soon.

READERS: Have you been to The New York Botanical Garden? Have you visited Brazil?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, this is an Event Recap and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine, NYBG is one of my favorite places in New York City! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, May 3, 2019

@NYBG Celebrates Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational May 4-5 and this butterfly will definitely be there! #plantlove

New York Botanical Garden Celebrates Nature’s Love Letter to Spring with Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational


With its floral clusters, sweet fragrance, and heart-shaped leaves, the lilac is nature’s love letter to spring. The Burn Family Lilac Collection at New York Botanical Garden takes the spotlight as we celebrate this American garden favorite in all of its glorious forms, colors, and aromas (both spicy and sweet!) with plein-air painting, music, guided tours, and talks. 

Lilac Weekend and Plein-Air Invitational programming includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fourth Annual Plein-Air Invitational Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., various NYBG grounds locations Every year, to help mark the Garden’s rites of spring, distinguished plein-air artists from throughout the Northeast gather across the grounds in a public display of painterly talent and nature appreciation. Led by plein-air master James Gurney, participating artists work in various media while engaging with Garden visitors. Also joining will be artists affiliated with the NYC chapter of Urban Sketchers, an international nonprofit dedicated to fostering a global community of artists who practice on-location drawing. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Plein-Air Drop-In and Draw Saturday and Sunday, May 4 - 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., various NYBG grounds locations Draw inspiration from the Garden as a plein-air artist would. Drop in, grab a stool and materials and create an image of the Garden to take home. Instructors offer guided tips every half hour. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lilac Garden Tours with Q&A Saturday and Sunday, May 4 -5 at 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., at the Lilac Collection Deanna Curtis, NYBG’s Curator of Woody Plants, will be on hand to share her expertise on this historic collection. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Live Music among the Lilacs Sunday, May 5 at 1, 2, & 3 p.m., at the Lilac Collection String Quartet by so&so (symphony orchestra and select others) is a curating collective whose symphony-centric performances feature young professional, top-caliber musicians from all over the world. For its debut season, NY-based so&so has partnered with several organizations, including The New York Botanical Garden, to present a variety of projects such as symphony performances, opera and original ballet. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.nybg.org/event/lilac-weekend/

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, May 4 - 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 

WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York

My Take:

I am looking forward to visiting New York Botanical Garden for Lilac Weekend, this is definitely a wonderful idea as an early Mother's Day Gift for mom, make a day of it!

READERS: Are you finally seeing signs of Spring? What is your favorite flower?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine, NYBG is one of my favorite places in New York City! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

When your outfit inadvertently matches the art exhibit! #ChihulyNYBG + winner of our @NYBG #CHIHULYNIGHTS Giveaway Announced!

Remember when I told you I took WAY too many pictures at the Media Day of the Preview of the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at Botanical Garden?

Did I also mention I sort of inadvertently matched one of the installations in the exhibit?

OK so THIS happened:

Above: I didn't get the memo, but I did sort of match the Dale Chihuly Niijima Floats Installation

Above: Sunglasses: Foster & Grant, Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Calvin Jeans, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Earrings: Let's just say they are 'Vintage' :-)

AboveNiijima Floats, spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: Niijima Floats, six-foot spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: I love that this boat just literally free floats, so the spheres catch different light and cast different shadows depending upon where the boat is when you photograph it. The day I was there it was super overcast, thankfully it didn't rain!

Above: These Butterfly picks were in the Gift Shop, and again they are kind of matching my outfit!

Above: OK so I may have been a bit 'Orange' obsessed that day!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: I know you all entered my giveaway for a set of passes to Chihuly Nights at Botanical Gardens right? (see giveaway post HERE) - well drumroll please because we have a winner, Congratulations to Laura F.

There are definitely way more photos, I'll break them up!

My Take:

If you haven't checked out the exhibit, what are you waiting for?

Be sure to put the New York Botanical and this exhibit on your summer to do list!

If you are a blogger feel free to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post this week so we can show you some love. NO GIVEAWAY LINKS PLEASE! (I do moderate comments but an angel and butterfly will lose its wings if you break this rule! And I know you wouldn't want that to happen.)

Mention Worthy (Please SHARE with a Military Vet!):

The New York Botanical Garden announces free admission for U.S. veterans to CHIHULY Nights on four select dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

U.S. veterans of any military service branch will receive free admission to CHIHULY Nights on Saturdays, May 27 and June 24, and Thursdays, July 6 and August 31.

CHIHULY, the major new exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden, presented by Bank of America, features more than 20 installations by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

What are YOUR Memorial Day Weekend Plans Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway was sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

{Mothers Day #Giveaway} Win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS from @Ascending1 & @NYBG #ChihulyNYBG

Coming up empty on Mother's Day Gift Ideas this year?

Tired of the same old same old?

How about an experience instead?

I recently attended the media preview day of  the latest Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden for Dale Chihuly which will run through late October (10/29 to be precise).

As usual, I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the exhibition. (When the board is completed the words "Pinterest Board" will become clickable).

Do you think Mom would like an experience that combines nature, art, and music in a very special setting?

I come with a Special Giveaway!

The 'evening version' of this exhibition called 'CHIHULY Nights' where the exhibition will be infused with an almost magical energy as the artworks created by Dale Chihuly will be illuminated which will heighten the drama and luminous quality of Dale Chihuly's colors and forms when lit under the evening sky is all yours, read through for your chance to win a pair of tickets to CHIHULY Nights at New York Botanical Garden.

In the Visitor Center plaza there will be a rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians, and Avion Tequila cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Media Day Intro:


AboveThe New York Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for Dale Chihuly’s art,” said Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of NYBG. “Our historic landscape is an open-air museum, providing a thrilling opportunity for our visitors to see the spectacular installations, especially when they will be lit at night. The exhibition will be a more holistic look at the legacy of Chihuly the artist. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and everyone whose support is making it possible for us to bring this experience to our existing and new audiences.”




Above: The artist had a show at the New York Botanical Garden in 2006, but the NYBG says the new exhibit is much larger and much more fully-realized. Gregory Long (pictured above), the NYBG’s president, referenced the 2006 show as “only a taste of the real thing… this one is bigger and better.” CHIHULY incorporates a broader and more diverse terrain across the garden, from inside the Enid Haupt Conservatory to the Metz Library and all around the wooded grounds.


There are more than 20 installations of Chihuly’s beautiful glass works all in all. His staff and the NYBG worked together for two years as they prepared for the opening and installation of the works took three weeks, with many large trucks from Seattle delivering the glass pieces.

Above: Citron Sun by Dale Chihuly welcomes visitors to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden.


Above: Citron Sun Close Up!


Above: I couldn't resist the temptation to get super close up and capture the vibrant color and detail in this installation.

Where Nature Meets Art:

Above: I loved the Dragon Tree 'Colorama' juxtaposed against Dale Chihuly White Tower with Fiori New York Botanical Garden, CHIHULY 2017 - Photo Credit Tracy Iglesias

Above: I zoomed in to get a close up on the vibrant color and detail on this installation as well

Above: I thought I'd get in close to the bottom of the installation as it makes it appear as if it is growing straight up out of the rocks!

Above: CHIHULY Exhibition Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower, New York Botanical Garden 2017 Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias


Above: CHIHULY NEON (don't worry I got a close up, see photo below)

Above: NEON by Dale Chihuly - yes I zoom in again for a bit more detail, see below

Above: Neon 206, a busy outdoor work that features over 1,100 feet of neon and acrylic arranged into a glorious tangle!

Above: I spot Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly poking out from the Native Plants in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden 2017 CHIHULY Exhibiion. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias



Above: The juxtaposition of the plant life with the art installations is captivating and a photographers dream! Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias



MY TAKE:

My recap coverage is so extensive I will have to split into a few pieces so you can get a sense for how much of the grounds the exhibition really covers! I can't wait to experience the installations by night as well so I can see the pieces lit up against the night sky. So keep checking back for our Wordless Wednesdays - they won't be wordless because obviously - I am never wordless - but they will be photo heavy!

I love this exhibit and can't wait to check it out at night!

WIN IT:

Tell us your favorite memory experience with your mom! Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest. Did you have a favorite place you would always visit with your mom?

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to CHIHULY NIGHTS (one winner and one guest) It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway is sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.