Artist donates elaborate chandelier to cancer center

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005 | 10:53 a.m.

It's ornate, intricate and, with its wild composure, very Chihuly.

The 550-piece blown-glass chandelier, hanging in the atrium of the Nevada Cancer Institute in Summerlin, is roughly 18 feet long, weighs nearly 1,000 pounds and was designed to be as inspiring as the mission of the organization itself.

Created and donated by artist Dale Chihuly, it isn't as colorful and vibrant as "Fiori Di Como," Chihuly's flower petal sculpture in the Bellagio lobby. Instead, its tubular pieces in the softer colors of gold, turquoise blue and clear white are more understated and offer a more subtle message.

"I hope this piece serves as a symbol of light and hope to all who enter the Nevada Cancer Institute's doors," Chihuly said through a spokeswoman.

The institute, scheduled to be dedicated and officially open on Sept. 23, was designated by the state Legislature in 2003 as Nevada's only official cancer institute. NCI will serve as a comprehensive research center and care facility.

Located in the atrium that serves as the main entrance of NCI, the hanging Chihuly sculpture was designed to reflect the colors of the atrium's 24-foot water wall and catch the light entering through the large glass windows on two walls of the entrance.

"The theme around the organization is illumination," Clark Dumont, spokesman for the Nevada Cancer Institute, said. "Illuminating through discovery, illuminating through hope, illuminating through caring.

"It's very light, open, hope-filled and uplifting, which is so important."

Including art in the design of the Nevada Cancer Institute has been important to its founders, Heather and Jim Murren, who see art as essential in the healing process. More than 200 pieces by 60 local, national and international artists will hang in the facility.

Dupont said that the Murrens were connected with Chihuly through the work that he has done for MGM Mirage properties. Jim Murren is president, chief financial officer and treasurer of MGM Mirage.

Chihuly, who has work displayed in several Las Vegas locations, said, "I wanted to make a contribution to cancer research in Nevada and to support Jim and Heather Murren's efforts."