The word “art” means different things to different people. The first thing that enters the minds of some is a form of physical art, such as a painting, a sculpture or even a poem. Others immediately think of something more active, like an orchestra, an opera or a play. Luckily Alto, New Mexico is only a short drive from El Paso and Las Cruces and boasts the ability to delight art lovers of every kind via the Spencer Theater and its Chihuly collection.
Opened in 1997 by the late Dow-Jones heiress Jackie Spencer and her husband, Dr. A. N. Spencer, this year marks the theater’s 10th anniversary. While the indoor theater seats 514, in excess of 1,200 guests can be accommodated via the 964-sq.-foot outdoor stage. A variety of touring concerts, shows, plays, dance companies, family and children’s shows make up the year-round agenda, which is broken into summer and winter seasons. One thing that is a constant with the Spencer is beauty. Designed by Antoine Predock, the architecture is breathtaking. From the sparkling Crystal Lobby with its 300 glass panes (each cut to a different size) that makes up the north side of the facility, to the 450 tons of Spanish mica-flecked limestone used to construct the theater’s facade, the feel is that of pure luxury.
Given her impeccable taste and ultra sophisticated standards, it should be no surprise that Jackie went on to improve on a good thing by purchasing what is now the largest private Chihuly collection in the Southwest.
Dale Chihuly has revolutionized glass blowing to such a degree that his name is synonymous with distinctive art that is unparalleled. He has carved out such a niche for himself and his creations, he is known the world over with works finding their way into the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and even the homes of Queen Elizabeth II, the presidents of Italy and France and the White House to name only a few.
The Spencer Theater is fortunate to have several individual installations that are each marvelous in such a way that one might gaze at each at length and still not see all the complexities and nuances that allow them to bear the Chihuly name. The Glowing Sunset Tower displayed in the theater’s Crystal Lobby can’t be missed. Made up of 564 separate components, this 1,200-pound, 14-foot structure truly does seem to glow with striking colors of fiery oranges and reds. Inspired by New Mexico wildflowers, Chihuly created his Indian Paint Brushes, a 177-piece installation that is displayed in the theater’s atrium. Golden apricot flows beautifully to the candy apple red buds; the colors are vibrant and yet simultaneously translucent. Upstairs, an entire wall dedicated to Chihuly’s extraordinary sculptures in glass is demonstrated with The Persians, a glorious 36-piece collection that embodies a sense of nature with its vibrant colors and flora-like presentation. The Ruby Sea Garden and Chandelier is an installment comprised of nine separate sculptures featuring 190 appendages in varying shapes that intertwine and complement one another as burgundy fades to blush and finally to clear showing every variation in between as only glass can accomplish. Rounding out the collection are the Cobalt Blue Baskets, which were a gift from Dale Chihuly to the late Jackie Spencer. Inspired by Native American woven baskets, these pieces must truly be seen to be fully appreciated.
So, whether you are looking for a wonderful place to enjoy a first-rate show or want to see some amazingly inspired art that is second to none, the Spencer Theater provides both.
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