By Barbara K. Stump, MA
If you enjoyed the last blog about Michigan Artist, Gwen Frostic’s resilience, and are thinking about ways you can visit more nature-based art, let me share another art opportunity to lift your spirits this fall. Meijer Gardens, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is currently exhibiting Dale Chihuly’s work throughout the 158 acres of Meijer Gardens. Chihuly is an American glass artist, who transformed blown glass into enormous vibrant indoor and outdoor sculptures. This exhibit is spectacular to see in person. His magnificent glass artwork is integrated amongst the greenery, water, and nature paths you can walk there.
If you want to get some healthy steps in, and experience a dose of “awe” therapy, then this visit is the perfect prescription! Chihuly’s technicolor art might also boost your mood. In an article published by the National Library of Medicine in April of 2024, titled, The Effects of a Guided Mindful Walk on Mental Health in University Students, they cited beneficial research on this topic. The article stated, “Results from the present study suggest that among university students, guided mindful walking has positive effects on state mental health variables including mindfulness, anxiety, and stress.”
People of all ages can benefit from walking. Whether you choose to visit this exhibit by yourself or with someone else, this exhibit gives you an opportunity to focus on mindfulness. There are so many joyful colors to see, and an abundance of glimmers to be found, while wandering throughout the outdoor gardens. Here are some of my favorite views from my day there.
If you have an appreciation for what you can see outside, and would like to learn more about the artist you can do so while touring the inside exhibit. Inside the Meijer Gardens building there is a separate ticketed exhibition, that is an add-on experience. Chihuly: Radiant Forms, showcases his early works from the 1980’s, showing artistic tributes to the history of Venice, Italy, and Japan. There are also cylinders, baskets, seaforms, and contributing sketches from his fax room.
It has been a couple of years since I first saw Chihuly’s work at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, in Seattle, Washington. So, I was excited to see his work again. It was a real gift to stroll through Meijer Gardens, and smile—witnessing these masterpieces in person with my family. I truly enjoyed my day, and it was worth the two hour drive from my home to see his work again. I left Grand Rapids feeling so joyful and with a sense of gratitude, that the two-and-a-half hour drive back home seemed to be over before I knew it! To quote Dale Chihuly, “ I never met a color I did not like.”
If you would like to experience this colorful exhibit yourself there is still time to do so this fall. It is available to see outside until November 1, 2026. Meijer Gardens also has other fabulous fall activities available on their website to help plan your day. Click on this link to learn more.