What do you get when you cross a world renowned sculptor whose works are considered to possess outstanding artistic merit in the field of blown glass and the Biltmore House, a classy chateau-style mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895 which is the largest privately owned house in the United States? You get a magnificent boat load of blown glass that is inundated with light and color.

 

  “Pure delight, magical, a sense of wonder," are just some of the comments from CSC members to describe the artist Dale Chihuly’s sculptures, which shatters pre-conceived ideas that glass blowing is only for glass dogs, vases and bowls. Combine the Chihuly exhibit with the amazing Biltmore House, a stunning estate which is breathtaking on its own, not to mention the astonishing gardens, which are more amazing than the house itself. This past weekend, both the house and the gardens were chock full of Chihuly’s impressive glass art.

CSC & Cape Fear, NC club combined to make the trek to Asheville. What do you get when you cross two ski clubs totaling thirty three Chihulians?  You get a tremendous weekend.

Jeanne Scanland summed up the entire experience with the email below.

“Hi Barb, I really enjoy the weekend. Thank you again for getting everything coordinated for us. It was a wonderful weekend with perfect weather, fun fellowship and gorgeous artwork in the Gardens with the orange moon in the background along with the magnificent mansion! Could have not been a better weekend!! “

A special thank you to Bobbi Witt, who found the Holiday Inn as a convenient and affordable (by Asheville standards) hotel and coordinated with the Cape Fear folks. Also thanks to Tom DuBose, who ”forced” (right!!) wife Susan to go a day early to enjoy Asheville and scout out the area for us. Tom, Susan, and Bobbi also picked up all the tickets at group sales and had them in individual envelopes at the hotel desk. This was such a help for everyone.

These pictures by CSC member Deb Prater & Lyn Marvil sum up the perfect weekend.

Come with us next time,

Barb