Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Through November 5
Various times
Nature is getting supersized at Phipps.
The Oakland-based destination has unveiled the first Eastern US garden display of work by glass artist Jason Gamrath. Appropriately dubbed SUPER. NATURAL., the blockbuster show boasts 40 extraordinary installations in nine rooms, many custom-designed for Phipps by the Seattle-based master glass artist.
Step into wondrous realms, shrink to the forest floor and be surrounded by larger-than-life orchids, bog pitcher plants, Venus fly traps, and even a mysterious corpse flower.
Lush plant displays and living counterparts augment the vibrant color palettes and botanical accuracy of Gamrath’s fantastical glass pieces.
A Seattle native, Gamrath started studying glass-making at age 15. His remarkable process involves sketching from nature, melting thousands of pounds of glass rocks, using a 5,000-degree torch, grinding glass with a diamond-embedded wheel, and more.
Gamrath’s show marks the 10th anniversary of Phipps’ collaboration with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Nine of Chihuly’s pieces will be on display throughout SUPER. NATURAL.
It’s a good thing the exhibit is on view through November 5, because one visit is not enough.
For more events, check out 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in May and Top 10 family events in Pittsburgh this May.
