Photo of the Day (2.21.09)

If you’ve been to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, then you might recognize this exhibit. You know, the one that hangs from the ceiling of the lobby as you walk in? Dale Chihuly’s “Fiori di Como” (or “Flowers of Como” — as in, Lake Como in Italy) is a glass masterpiece that covers a 70 x 30 foot area with over 2,000 colorful glass elements. It’s one of many cool sights to behold in the City of Sin, which was recently named by Forbes.com as America’s emptiest city. So, despite a dwindling population, we must remind ourselves that there are still just as many awesome things to see and do in America’s other city that never sleeps.

This photo comes to us from jerry.r.lem, who has a gorgeous and well-organized collection of photography on his Flickr profile.

If you are a fan of Chihuly’s glass art, then you’ll certainly find this one inspiring as well, which is found in Phoenix [click for a larger view and slide show of his other works].

The amazing contrast of the fiery glass amid cactus plants really drives home the hot, dry Arizona surroundings, don’t you think? Chihuly’s work can be found all over the country. To find an exhibit close to you, visit his exhibition and gallery schedule here.

If you have some great travel shots you’d like to share, be sure to upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr. We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day!