Glassworks in the greenery

James Hayes’ magical shapes blossom at exhibit

Above the arbor entrance to the Great Lawn at Garvan Woodland Gardens are glass onions, the work of Pine Bluff artist James Hayes.
Above the arbor entrance to the Great Lawn at Garvan Woodland Gardens are glass onions, the work of Pine Bluff artist James Hayes.

HOT SPRINGS - The winding paths of Garvan Woodland Gardens are lined with flora from around the world, with bridges and streams that span and cut through the rocky landscape.

And hidden among those flowers and trees, the works of Arkansas glass artist James Hayes, nestled inside the natural beauty, waiting for those lucky enough to find them.

More than 200 works by the glass artist are placed around the garden, tucked along the paths and inside some of the structures. A huge piece, titled Twirl Chain, hangs in the ceiling of the Garvan Pavilion, floating there like a white spaceship or elaborate crown. Placed beneath the Bridge of the Full Moon is Chandelier, a red assembly that seems to grow there, a flower hanging down, seeking the water running below.

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The Garvan Woodland Gardens’ koi pond features 30 floating glass balls. Swarms of koi provide flashes of color to complement the work of glass artist James Hayes.

There are Hayes pieces around the 13 gardens, beneath shrubs, perched on rocks and floating in green water swarming with fish.

A walk around the gardens, an easy meander under a canopy of trees, reveals plants, both beautiful and strange. And the Pine Bluff native’s works complement the scene without overpowering it, decorating without overwhelming or lessening the natural beauty.

Bowls line the Adventure Garden Cedar Bridge; vines hang along the Camellia Trail among their natural counterparts, so integrated they are almost missed; bright red bowls, Razorbacks inspired, punctuate the musical waters of the Singing Springs Gorge.

Some of the work is too well-hidden. Consulting a map is fine, but knowing where the pieces are might be more satisfying than a map-assisted search.

Those who like the discipline of art glass will find the production enthralling; those less inclined will still be intrigued by the mostly appropriate “decoration” of the garden. Those just there for the garden’s woodland flowers won’t find the work jarring or be bowled over by placement.

“Splash of Glass: The Art Glass of James Hayes,” through Sept. 30, Garvan Woodland Gardens, 540 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Admission: $10, $9 senior citizens, $5 children. Information: garvangardens.org, (501) 262-9300

Style, Pages 45 on 07/07/2013

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