Ask me what’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all year (so far), and I have a ready answer: the 11 enormous glass sculptures currently occupying 
the grounds of the Salk Institute of Biological Studies, in honor of the research institute’s 50th birthday. I saw them Friday morning, when the final pieces where still being installed. The azure sky was cloudless; the sea breeze mild. And the brilliant colors and sinuous gleaming forms of Dale Chihuly’s creations (ranging in size from large to gigantic) complemented the spare elegance of Louis Kahn’s world-renowned buildings in a way I had to see with my own eyes in order to believe.
I took dozens upon dozens of photos, and when I later realized I’d forgotten to put the memory card in my camera, my cries were heart-rendering (if not downright frightening.) I’ll have to look at the poster I bought and conjure up my memories of just how breathtaking it was. I can’t go back and see it again. All the remaining tickets are sold out, and all but 3 of the 11 pieces are being taken down this coming Wednesday.
