By Elaine Matsushita

I thought I was in the presence of the great glass artist Dale Chihuly when I walked into the two-story antiques store in Highwood. My mouth fell open as my eyes were drawn to a black-and-white explosion of snaking, swirling glass tendrils falling out of the sky. And that was exactly the intent.

The blown-glass chandelier, made by Vis Glass out of San Francisco, is inspired by the world-renowned glass master whose work wowed visitors at the Garfield Park Conservatory a few years back.

So if you love Chihuly’s work but could never even dream of affording a piece … you might consider one of Vis Glass’ 36-by-36-inch chandeliers (other sizes are also available) at Consignments, Etc. It’s still pricey, but not in the Chihuly stratosphere. You can get the Vis Glass version all in one color, varying shades of one color, multiples hues – any combination you want really.

You do the assembly, putting each spiral into a metal form (it takes about 45 minutes, I’m told). Because it weighs about 50 pounds, it’s best to have it professionally installed. Chandeliers come with three halogen bulbs.

Cost: $5,500 Where: Consignments, Etc., 259 Waukegan Ave., Highwood Info:847-432-2700

 Postscript: 1:33 p.m. Sept. 5
I just got this comment (and photo) on my Facebook page from Melody Bliss: Chihuly glass on ceiling of Bellagio, Las Vegas