Bravo to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens for curating an incredibly profitable and popular exhibit in the heart of winter–in a climate that is inhospitable to plant growth right now, let alone bloom.
This organization cultivated the masses this weekend to a garden of essentially green vegetation and boring cacti by creating an indoor light show extravaganza.
Like moths to the stoking flame, adults shelled out $14 each (up from the normal $11) and $6 for kids to stand in line to stand in line to walk very very slowly in a long line through the greenhouses.
My subtle bitter undertone is due to my feelings of being rushed through the light infused scenes and soundscapes while inwardly getting a chuckle at my own conclusion that the exhibit had essentially nothing to do with plants, other than being a convenient prop. My true appreciation was for the raw allure and innate appeal of light and color to create a visually fascinating and enchanting environment to fabricate magic, wonder, and beauty.
My less than exuberant review is also due to the formed impression that I missed out on some highlights of the program. After reading a press release post-exploration that was saturated with adjective-rich descriptions of illuminated sculptures and interactive displays, I had a difficult time placing them in the recount of my visit, as did friends that had ventured the tour.
Alas, I would say that I would enjoy engaging the experience again, though next year I would take advantage of the ‘photographer night’. Some truly striking images were captured and showcased in the gallery room.
If they served wine on the tour I’m sure it would have been more enjoyable :)….
Ha! They did have an associated happy hour: “Join us for drinks and food in a private space with an industrial but intimate feel and colorful lighting […] before attending Lumagination.” I could also see this being quite the ‘trip’ if under other influences…