Chihuly, a native of the Pacific Northwest, became fascinated with glass as a medium while studying interior design at the University of Washington.  After graduation, he sought admission to the University of Wisconsin, which, at the time, was the sole American university with a dedicated glass program.  Chihuly later continued his studies as well as taught at the Rhode Island School of Design.  However, Chihuly reached a turning point in his career in 1968 when he was awarded a grant by the National Endowment of Arts which allowed him to work and study at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice, Italy.  It was there that he was introduced to the team approach to glass blowing, a technique that he  uses even today in his workshop.

Amazing array of colors explode with Dale Chihuly at Dallas Arboretum

The Works of Dale Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum follows the artist’s passion for what he refers to as “glass houses”, or greenhouses and represents Chihuly’s twelfth exhibit in world-famous garden settings.  The artist’s Garden Cycle began in 2001 at Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory, and has included such famous gardens as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, near London.  Part performance, part art installation, Chihuly’s works grace the Arboretum’s 66 manicured acres, both on terra firma, as well as in its water features.  As guests enter the garden, Icicles, a work in canary yellow glass, comprised over 1000 individual pieces soars skyward while hand blown orbs of different sizes are scattered about like groundcover.  Visitors destined for the Women’s Garden, the only garden in the world designed by women, for women, and financed by women, are welcomed by two brilliant works entitled “Sunburst”.  As visitors progress into the garden, with its tiered water features, they are stunned by Chihuly’s Reeds in aubergine glass that protrude from the water garden’s placid surface.  As visitors wind their way deeper into the Women’s Garden, they are treated to an idyllic view of Dallas’ White Rock Lake.  Two wooden boats, reminiscent of Venetian gondolas one filled with glass balls of varying sizes, the other with flame like branches, float peacefully in a reflecting pool facing the urban lake.

Stunning during the day, the Arboretum will be opening its doors to visitors in the evenings, specifically on Wednesday for a series of events and concerts in conjunction with this unique exhibit.  As always, the Arboretum is a stunning location for your organization’s off-site event and Outstanding Productions has the team to make your vision a reality.  We look forward to seeing you in Dallas this summer.

The Park, as envisioned and progress to date.

Aside from a much needed open air recreation space for America’s 8^th largest city, the park is one of three major components of the larger Trinity River Corridor project designed to transform the Trinity River that bisects the city.  Other initiatives include the Santiago Calatrava-designed Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, that spans the river and connects West Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood the downtown corridor and the Trinity Audubon Center just to the south of the city which connects with the Great Trinity Hardwood Forest, one of the largest urban greenbelts in the nation.

The Uptown District, one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods, has always been a beehive of activity. The park will boast several performance stages, numerous fountains, jogging paths and dog parks.  Additionally there will be game areas and plenty of space for picnics and leisure activities and playgrounds for children.

McKinney Avenue, the major artery of the area, is lined with boutiques, art galleries and cafés is a natural gathering spot for locals.  Dallas’ temperate climate and the district’s artistic vibe make the Uptown a natural for a casual dinner in an open, urban atmosphere.  Now, with the addition of the Kyle Warren Deck Park, visitors and locals can enjoy a pre-theater dinner in Uptown prior to a performance in the Arts District.  And with the McKinney Avenue Trolley, a free trolley service that runs down McKinney Avenue to the Deck Park, Dallas has become a truly pedestrian friendly city.

McKinney Avenue Trolley

Even prior to its opening the park is already proving that Dallas’ vision of a connected city is a welcome addition. The park will boast several performance stages, numerous fountains, jogging paths and dog parks.  Additionally there will be game areas and plenty of space for picnics and leisure activities and playgrounds for children.  Gourmet food trucks, which are the hottest things on wheels, are already making plans to claim spots along the park during the lunch and afternoon rush, and the performance spaces have become one of the most talked about new spaces in Dallas. Since its ground breaking in 2009, the deck park has been a visible reminder of the city center’s renaissance.  If you have not visited Dallas in several years, we hope to see you in 2012 at one of our many meeting and conventions.  Come see what Outstanding Productions and the city of Dallas has to offer; we know that you won’t be disappointed!

All your event needs in one place

Designed to make your life easier as you plan your meeting or event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our one-stop shopping experience will save you time as you select from linens, chairs, centerpieces to entertainment to transportation! Just a click of the mouse brings a wealth of services from quality vendors. You conveniently receive and pay a single invoice and we take care of the rest.

All your event needs can be found in one place!

Organization is the key to a smooth transportation program!

What are the key components when it comes to excellent ground transportation?
Stacie:  First and foremost, it’s all about understanding our clients’ needs. Once we have that down, we can put together a program that meets their expectations and budget!
What is important to know about DFW Airport?
Stacie:  DFW is designed like no other airport in the world! Did you know that it has over 5 different terminals and 28 baggage claims? American Airlines uses 4 of the 5 terminals. This means that your attendees might be spread all over the airport after they arrive. Imagine how confusing it would be if no one was there to greet them at baggage claim? Not a great feeling! Not to worry, we know DFW like the back of our hands and make sure that attendees are greeted on-time and with a smile.
What can a client expect when Outstanding Productions is handling their airport transportation services?
Stacie:  Exceptional service! You can be sure that we  take all details into account to guarantee their transportation programs are seamless.
What have been some of your more memorable experiences?
Stacie: We had the privilege of scheduling air and ground transportation for the amazing artists that performed at the AT&T Performing Arts Center grand opening celebration. We were honored to have been chosen for this unique opportunity to make the first (and last) impression to guests at this star-studded gathering!  

We also transferred all the VIP guests that attended Neiman Marcus’ 100th Anniversary Celebration. That was a fun night as the guests were transferred from all the best hotels in Dallas!

One job that I’m particularly proud of is when we were given an hour to move 2,700 guests from one of the largest hotel properties in Dallas to DFW Airport. This included transferring guests’ luggage from two overflow hotels to the departure hotel, sorting with the main hotel’s luggage pull then making sure all guests were able to find their bags.    No luggage was lost and we accomplished the job in 45 minutes!

What do you feel sets Outstanding Productions apart from its competitors?
Stacie:  Simple…our team of 4 experienced, Operations Managers! We are able to tag team large programs with one manager handling the transportation and the other taking care of the special events to make sure our clients receive the attention necessary to exceed their expectations.

An array of Motor Coaches!

Asian Garden and Nebula in Atrium II

There are so many high points. Atrium II now resembles a park-like Asian garden complete with team pavilion, lush landscaping and incredible reflecting pool. Floating overhead is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture, Nebula, created by Reuben Margolin. New eateries, Media Grill + Bar and Counter Offer, offer appealing fare by day and moonlight with evening and late-night opportunities.

Media bar

The Tower boasts the new Trinity Corridor, a totally enclosed and climate controlled passageway that connects the hotel with the Trinity Ballroom and Exhibit spaces. Nearby is the groovy Gossip Patio that features a 28-foot fire pit, full bar service featuring signature organic cocktails plus extensive cigar and whiskey menus. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Sculpture Park!

Trinity Corridor

Fire pit and seating at the new Gossip Patio

All in all, the Hilton Anatole offers a perfect backdrop for any type of event or meeting.  Let Outstanding Productions add the final touch to transform your planning experience!

Vivid Moroccan tent interior

This tantalizing tent definitely draws the eye and beacons guests to continue on to find out what lies ahead!  Various types of entertainment and cozy seating areas were housed nearby in smaller tents.

Appealing seating under colorful tent

As guests round a corner to leave Morocco, they will land in Vegas!  Talk about a world-wind trip!

Wow, welcome to Vegas!

Horseshoe shaped hot pools

What better way to begin the summer in Texas than with the Gaylord Texan’s western-themed 10-acre resort pool & lazy river complex?   Paradise Springs delights guests with entertaining water features, tasty cuisine, outdoor lawn games, and sun bathing decks.  And, with event space for up to 3,200 guests, Outstanding Productions is gearing up for several sunny events!

Soak up the sun as you take an inner tube ride down the lazy river

Preparing for an evening event?  Let OP float your brand, with a color changing floating orb that will highlight your logo under the big Texas sky.  Invite your guests to listen to a singing Cowboy around the campfire or reach for the stars on the event lawn with an Astronomer-led telescope experience.  Live music by the pool brings your guests together for networking and fun.  Pack your bags to escape to the most enchanting pool in the Wild West!

This stone pavilion sets the stage

No detail was missed as the booth was developed.  Rich red drape was draped from a 12′x12′ stone pavilion that provided the anchor for the design while chocolate banquettes, accented with Asian bolster pillows in red and gold, were arranged underneath for seating.   A lighted coffee table, lit in red hues, anchored the banquettes.  Faux elephant tusks lent drama at the entrance of the pavilion.

The details make this design so engaging

Roses and bamboo were arranged in distinctive minimalistic style then surrounded by LED candles provided the accents around two dragon candelabras across the top of the coffee table lit in red.  Shoji screens were redefined with large, Asian discs.

The hotel's existing art fit perfectly with the booth's design.

While this statue of Buddha seems to be part of the booth design, it is in fact, part of the Hilton Anatole Dallas’ extensive collection of Asian art.  The set was developed with this collection in mind and the results were stunning.