M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

"The Greatest Snow on Earth": The Winter Olympics in Downtown Salt Lake City
by Dallas Petersen

An Olympic Tapestry
From saltlake2002.com: "The 2002 Olympic Arts Festival is the Arts Festival associated with the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Festival will run in conjunction with the Salt Lake Games, 1 February 2002 through 16 March 2002.
Since the ancient Games in Greece, the Arts have been synonymous with Olympic ideals. Today, Olympism is defined as Sport plus art. The Olympic Arts Festival celebrates artists' achievements alongside athletes' accomplishments.
The Festival will include more than 60 performances, 10 major exhibitions and 50 community programs and exhibitions.

"American artist Dale Chihuly is considered to be one of the world's most preeminent artists working in the medium of glass. A native of Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly created several sculptures specifically for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Three large-scale works, the 'Sun,' the 'Moon' and the 'Olympic Tower' shower color and energy upon the Olympic landscape. 'I want the sculptures to speak to the athletes and people who see them,' said Chihuly. 'I am really honored to have my work here at the Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Games.' Chihuly will also exhibit art work at the Salt Lake City Arts Center."

"Sun and Moon" by Dale Chihuly.

Close-up of "Sun."

"Sun" shining on downhill skier.

Close-up of the surface of "Moon."

Continue reading this article... Page 5: An Olympic Tapestry

(All photographs Copyright 2002 Dallas Petersen)

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.