Chihuly in Phoenix

The art of Dale Chihuly, at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix.

The entrance to the gardens

The art of Dale Chihuly, at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix.

Bob Bullock ponders the work of Chihuly

The art of Dale Chihuly, at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix.

Boat with glass in desert, and more color

The art of Dale Chihuly, at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix.

Red, cacti, and Chihuly's floats

The art of Dale Chihuly, at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix.

Dale Chihuly's exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

The Sonoran Desert is a magical place. The glass art of Dale Chihuly is a testament to the creativity of man. The combination of the two is breathtaking.

The scale of the exhibit was as impressive as each component. Pieces were strategically placed throughout the gardens. The effect went beyond whimsical fun to a level of artistry rarely seen. Dale Chihuly is one of the greats of our times. It is easy to see why his work has mass appeal.

As amazing as Chihuly’s work is, it pales next to nature itself. I saw an artichoke in full bloom, and that was the best art of the day. Nothing tops the beauty of nature, but Chihuly proved himself a maestro at enhancing it.

Jim Breitinger

Artichoke in full bloom

Photographed at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix.

Jake in Utah last month

Jake photographed in March, forty miles east of Kanab, Utah.

The Dusty Boots Benefit Show

Thanks to everyone for making the Dusty Boots Benefit this past weekend a success. The show was held in north Phoenix to benefit Dusty Boots Riding Therapy, a Phoenix based non-profit.

“Dusty hands, dusty faces, dusty grins, dusty boots …
there’s magic in the dust … come take a ride”

Why Riding Therapy?

A horse’s rhythmic movements helps strengthen the rider’s “whole self”, which results in improved balance and posture. Motor skills, hand/eye coordination and interactive abilities improve; in addition, there is a sense of empowerment and independence along with a higher degree of self esteem.

The use of horses has gained increased interest in the world of psychotherapy. Those who are familiar with horses have always acknowledged their power to influence people in amazing ways. Horses have the ability to mirror what the human body language tells them. Accomplishing a task involving a horse increases confidence and provides wonderful metaphors when dealing with other challenging situations in life.

What does Dusty Boots offer?

• Therapeutic Riding Programs
• Equine Assisted Therapy
• Riding Lessons
• Team Building Sessions
• Special Olympics Involvement
• Scout Badge Certification

America's Outback

A must read story on southern Utah . . . the greatest place on earth:

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/travel/12outback.html?em

Arizona's Meteor Crater--at Canyon Diablo

One of Arizona's great wonders is Meteor Crater between Flagstaff and Winslow. This is a 1941 illustration of the first confirmed meteorite impact site on the planet. This hole in the ground is a powerful testament to what happens when a rock from space collides with the earth.

We will be offering a limited supply of Arizona's Canyon Diablo meteorites at the Dusty Boots Benefit. As well as other gems from space--rocks that are as old and older than the earth itself!