Glass in Flight and Bird Week at Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Experience Art and Nature in Superior, Arizona
- Superior, Arizona
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the heart of Superior, Arizona, the desert comes alive with movement and color. Wings shimmer in the sunlight, glass glows against a backdrop of saguaros, and real birds dart through the air above. At Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, the magic of flight takes center stage this season through two inspiring experiences — the Glass in Flight sculpture exhibit by artist Alex Heveri, and the much-anticipated annual Bird Week celebration.
Art and Nature in Motion
Running from August 15, 2025 through January 2026, Glass in Flight transforms the Arboretum’s gardens into a gallery of light and color. Created by Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri, the exhibit features larger-than-life glass and steel sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Each work is crafted from Dalle de Verre — thick, richly colored glass designed to capture and refract the Arizona sun.
Heveri calls herself a “light artist,” and at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, her creations truly live up to the name. The sculptures illuminate trails and desert vistas by day, while evening viewing hours invite guests to see them glow after sunset — Fridays through Sundays, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in September, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from October through January. Not all trails are open at night, but those that are reveal a world of color that seems almost alive, especially when set against the stars and the silhouettes of desert trees.
This partnership between art and environment embodies the Arboretum’s mission: to connect people with the beauty and biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. As you stroll through the gardens, you may spot real pollinators hovering near their glass counterparts — a gentle reminder of the delicate relationship between art, nature, and conservation.
For a truly special experience, don’t miss the Meet the Artist: Alex Heveri event at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. On this evening, visitors can meet the Tucson-based sculptor behind Glass in Flight 2 and hear how she spent four years crafting these luminous glass and steel pollinators. Heveri will share the inspiration and process behind her larger-than-life creations, lead a guided tour of select pieces, and host an open Q & A for guests. Seating for the presentation is first-come, first-served. During the event, the Bento Guy food truck will be on-site serving dinner from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. as part of Glass in Flight at Night hours — a perfect chance to see the sculptures glow beneath the desert stars.
Bird Week: Celebrating Arizona’s Feathered Friends
Every fall, Boyce Thompson Arboretum becomes a haven for bird lovers during Bird Week, a community favorite that combines education, exploration, and a touch of adventure. The Arboretum is home to more than 250 bird species, making it one of the richest birding locations in the state. During Bird Week, visitors can join guided walks led by expert birders, attend talks on migration and habitat, and learn how to spot local favorites like the Gila woodpecker, verdin, and Costa’s hummingbird.
It’s an event that appeals to families, hobbyists, and seasoned birders alike. Whether you’re sketching songbirds among the mesquite trees or photographing a cardinal in the cacti, you’ll find that Boyce Thompson offers something rare: a true immersion in the rhythm of desert life.
Discover the Copper Corridor
Superior is more than the gateway to Boyce Thompson Arboretum — it’s part of the Copper Corridor, a stretch of scenic desert towns rich in history, creativity, and outdoor adventure. For birders, this region offers incredible diversity: riparian areas, canyon trails, and open desert landscapes that attract species found nowhere else in the country.
The region has a growing reputation as a birding destination — and it’s easy to see why. Visitors can begin their day exploring the Arboretum’s desert trails, then venture out to nearby viewpoints, parks, and nature preserves for even more opportunities to spot raptors, songbirds, and migratory species.
Beyond the birding, the Copper Corridor offers art galleries, hiking trails, and charming small-town dining — making it a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to explore Arizona off the beaten path.
Stay the Night in Superior
After a day of bird watching and glass art, extend your visit with a night in Superior. The town’s walkable downtown features locally owned shops, cafes, and colorful murals that celebrate its creative spirit. Just minutes from the Arboretum, you’ll also find the Hill House near Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a beautiful Airbnb retreat surrounded by desert views — perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors.
To find more lodging options, from cozy inns to mountain-view stays, visit our Lodging page and plan your overnight adventure in Superior.
Plan Your Visit
Boyce Thompson Arboretum: 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173
Glass in Flight: August 15, 2025 – January 2026
Evening Hours: Fridays–Sundays, 3–10 p.m. (September) / 5–10 p.m. (October–January)
Bird Week: November 1-7, 2025
Whether you come for the art, the birds, or the pure desert beauty, you’ll leave inspired — and perhaps even a little transformed. In Superior, Arizona, nature’s artistry is always in flight.
