Lego sculptures display nature's beauty
Be prepared to be dazzled when "Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks" by Sean Kenney debuts at the Morton Arboretum.
The summer exhibit features larger-than-life sculptures of nature's top attractions, crafted from nearly half a million Lego bricks by Kenney, an award-winning artist whose work has been featured internationally.
After debuting in Huntsville (Alabama) Botanical Garden in April, the exhibit comes to the Morton Arboretum Friday, July 17, to Sunday, Nov. 1, with 13 nature-themed displays created by Kenney, "professional kid" and the world's first Lego certified professional.
Each of the displays, which will be placed throughout the arboretum's east side, brings nature's beauty to life via the iconic brick. Highlights include:
• A nearly 7-foot-wide regal peacock showing off its brilliant green and blue plumage;
• A monarch butterfly perched on a pink milkweed plant;
• A hummingbird, more than 6 feet tall, sipping nectar from a colorful trumpet flower;
• A giant red wheelbarrow that also acts as a planter;
• A Bonsai tree, its trunk curving over a small green hillside;
• A grandfather gardening with his grandchild, watering can in hand;
• A giant black, yellow and orange corn spider;
• A nearly life-size family of brown deer, the buck and doe standing over their fawn;
• An enormous pansy ringed in violet that has caught the attention of a bee;
• A Galapagos tortoise sporting a finch on its back;
• An 8-foot-long dragonfly with an 8-foot wingspan and a bright magenta body;
• Cardinals enjoying a dip in a bird bath while an unwelcome squirrel scrambles up the side; and
• A mosaic face cutout that invites visitors to play the part of ants crawling beneath the ground.
"Sean Kenney's unique Lego sculptures allow visitors to see the beauty of our outdoor world in a new and whimsical way," said Sue Wagner, vice president of education and information at the Morton Arboretum. "Lego fans of all ages won't want to miss this exhibit."
Located at 4100 Route 53, Lisle, Morton Arboretum is open 7 a.m. to sunset daily. "Nature Connects" is free with arboretum admission. Admission is $14 for adults ages 18 to 64 ($9 on Wednesday), $12 for seniors ages 65 and older ($8 on Wednesday), $9 for ages 2 to 17 ($6 on Wednesday) and free for younger children and members.
The arboretum will host several Lego-themed events and activities as well as a play-and-stay area where kids of all ages can get creative with Lego bricks during the exhibit's run.
For information about the exhibit, including the latest schedule of events, visit mortonarb.org/LEGO.
If you go
What: "Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks" exhibit by Sean Kenney
When: Friday, July 17, to Sunday, Nov. 1
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with arboretum admission of $14 for adults ($9 on Wednesday), $12 for seniors 65 and older ($8 on Wednesday), $9 for ages 2 to 17 ($6 on Wednesday), free for younger children and members
Info: mortonarb.org/LEGO