The hills at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are alive in color. Every springtime nature enthusiasts wander around the fifty-five acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. These renowned flowers are known for their large, double-petaled blooms that sit atop tall, straight stems. This superbloom of beauty has been an annual tradition for over 60 years.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is thrilled to welcome its very first traveling art exhibit by the talented artist, Alex Heveri. Her “Glass in Flight” exhibit displays 38 glass and steel sculptures in flower gardens and out in the fields. Majestic Monarch butterflies, dragonflies, a bee at a hive and different insects made of steel and colored glass enhance guests' experiences.
“This is going to be the most colorful season at The Flower Fields to date,” says Fred Clarke, General Manager of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. “We can’t wait to see the faces of our guests as they take in the sight of Alex Heveri’s life-like, giant sculptures set against the natural beauty of The Flower Fields.”
About the Artist
This celebrated artist and avid sculptor is also a Tucson-based Pubic Defender. For more than 25 years, she has been creating larger than life steel and glass sculptures. Her 'Glass in Flight' is a traveling exhibit representing more than four years of solo work.
“The kaleidoscope of color that the Flower Fields bring each year is a stunning contrast for the individual sculptures that make up my ‘Glass in Flight’ exhibit,” said Heveri while leading a tour of her artwork. “I’m thrilled to bring my largest exhibit to date to Carlsbad, with sculptures sprinkled throughout the gardens and fields.”
In her Monarch Butterfly Archway, the wing color and wing shape is different when you look underneath and then look on top.
Materials and Design
Utilizing Dalle de Verre glass from Indiana, this technique is traditionally used in stained glass windows. Heveri incorporates thick, 1-inch glass slabs that glow with intensity when illuminated by sunlight, enhancing their visual appeal.
She places the glittering Dalle de Verre glass into bright, powder-coated steel frames. Her work draws inspiration from nature, in particular, the fluid and ethereal movement of butterflies, fireflies and beetles in flight.
Height and Weight
Her massive steel and glass sculptures of life, such as a bee in a hive bench, a variety of insects, water lilies, and abstract ocean towers up to 12 feet high. Together these art pieces weigh more than 50,000 pounds.
These sparkling, glowing and realistic nature sculptures were all conceived, designed, cut, assembled and welded together by Heveri herself. She has her own forklift and crane to help create her masterpieces that run up to $45,000.
Inspiration
Heveri is honored to showcase her pieces at The Flower Fields. Visiting the ranch last year, the color and beauty of Carlsbad Ranch inspired her to make each of her sculptures. She made pollinators to mimic the perfect nature of what she was sculpting.
Some of the pieces are abstract, such as the pure colors of her water lily piece and an homage to the Pacific Ocean in the flower fields.
The water Lilly sculpture is an appreciation of nature. Its pure abstract and color make the piece just what she wanted. 'Sometimes it takes two years to get the right color of glass from the only supplier in Indiana,' said Heveri. 'It's worth the wait to get the colors I want.'
Springtime viewing
The Burnet Moth in the garden is just like the one she sees in Tucson. The dazzling Ruby-throated hummingbird is just like the one she sees in her yard.
Flowers To Sea
At the top of The Flower Fields, and right below the Cassara Carlsbad Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is Heveri's Abstract Ocean Sculpture. It is placed at this highest point among shaded picnic tables for visitors to appreciate the contrast of the different colored blue glass, and the sparkling views of the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Wonder of Flight
Step into a world of color that embody the wonder of flight. 'I created colorful dragonflies, praying mantis with pink wings and some red and black flying ants for an additional pop of color in the gardens,' said Heveri. 'As the sun cascades across the sky throughout the day, when the sun hits tha glass, I hope it fosters joy to those who see my sculptures.'
2025 Activity Schedule
This year The Flower Fields have a full slate of activities that include live music performances, workshops and wellness classes. They run from March to mid-May, ending on Mother's Day.
The 2025 outdoor music series is set to feature performances by Gainesville The Band, Mariachi Serenata, The Free Collective Band, Bill Magee, Bayou Brothers, Cool Rush and Michele Lundeen.
The Flower Fields’ wellbeing program offers Golden Hour Pilates, Family Yoga, Sunset Meditation and Sound Healing, and Flower Flow Yoga classes. Be sure to sign up for Sunset Wine Tasting, Flower Crown Workshops and Tea in the Garden.
Stay Overnight at Cassara Carlsbad
Other attractions to see at The Flower Fields include The American Flag of Flowers strategically planted directly below The Cassara Carlsbad Resort. On a 300 by 170-foot hillside, this installation pays tribute to the United States of America.
Families enjoy a Tractor Wagon Ride for an overview of what to see at Carlsbad Ranch. The Artist Gardens are inspired by your favorite landscape painting transposed into a colorful garden using flowers as the art medium. Each garden illustrates how color can be use and enjoyed in your own garden at home.
Nostalgic attractions include the Poinsettia Pavilion, Sweet Pea Maze, Santa’s Playground and Carlsbad Mining Company. Timed tickets must be purchased online. A single-ticket admission starts at $27 for adults, $25 for seniors 60+ and military, $17 for children ages 3 through 10, and free for children under three.
The Cassara Carlsbad Resort is offering a special Stay and See package that includes a spacious guest room, complimentary overnight parking, two 'Flower Power Sour' welcome cocktails and two tickets to enter The Flower Fields.
