Domi in the Garden

Today we celebrated Columbus Day by thoroughly enjoying the effects of Global warming. Hey, Globalism started w/ Christopher Columbus, right? We all went to the Garfield Park Conservatory for this really great exhibit they have there called Niki in the Garden. I love the conservatory, actually Chris and I were going to have our wedding reception there until we had a change of plans and decided to get married in South Bend. My favorite time to go, however, is in the winter when I desperately need a little heat and humidity, the palm house, or the aroid house is just what the horticulturalist ordered. But even in 90 degree October heat, it was pretty cool. When Chris and I were planning our wedding, there was another sculpture exhibit there, Chihuly in the Park, that exhibit was more like organic and plant-like pieces that seemed like enormous alien flowers and plants were plopped down in the middle of the earth plants. It was very beautiful, but also required a hefty insurance policy for anyone renting out the place.
This exhibit is totally different, but also really neat. There are about 30 or so giant colorful mosaic sculpture by artist Niki de Saint Phalle that are set inside and outside the conservatory. It is very accessible, and the kids were really getting into it since you are allowed to touch, and sit on, and climb on many of the pieces. Domingo was duly excited by the bright colors and strange textures, but it was so hot that we couldn't stay as long as I would've liked. Here are some pictures from our day.

Inside the Palm house.



Hanging out with Louis Armstrong.



Ssssirpiente.



American Baby Idol.



I really loved this one.



But this was my favorite piece of the day.