Meadowmorphosis: Patrick Dougherty, Sculptor-in-Residence May 2, 2011

Details:
NEW: A “Stickwork” Sculpture by World-Famous Artist Patrick Dougherty Becomes Part of the Garden in May, 2011

May 2 - 22: Watch as artist-in-residence Patrick Dougherty builds a large-scale, temporary sculpture of woven sticks and saplings in the Anderson Meadow; we are calling the process “Meadowmorphosis.”

May 22: Celebrate the naming of the completed sculpture at the Garden’s Spring Fling; be among the first to step inside it.

2011 & beyond: Play in this fantasy-land structure! Walk through it and peek out openings. Enjoy seasonal changes – the sculpture will be part of the Garden’s landscape as long as Nature allows. The Garden will have related activities for children and adults (see below).

Interesting Facts

The Garden’s sculpture will be like no other. Dougherty takes inspiration from the surrounding environment and names the piece upon completion.

Dougherty uses locally gathered natural materials harvested in a sustainable way.

At least two tractor-trailer loads of sticks and saplings will be used -- mainly young maple and sweet gum saplings. They will come from private rural tracts of land identified by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Garden volunteers will assist Dougherty during the building process for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Nest, cocoon, fairy dwelling – terms others have used to describe Dougherty’s work. He is internationally renowned with more than 200 sculptures around the world, has a new book Stickwork; and was recently profiled in The New York Times.

Related activities:

Daily, April through October: Stickworks Studio. Self-guided experience for children and adults to create artwork using natural materials. Children’s Garden.

Daily, May - October: Search for "stickman" -- a figure made of sticks inspired by the popular children's book. "Oh, Stickman! Oh, Stickman! Where could he be? Can you help us keep track of this man of a tree?" Fun for the whole family! Children's Garden

Daily, times vary: Twisted Logic. Documentary about Dougherty’s work. Library.

April 30 – July 31: Patrick Dougherty: Stickworks. Photography of Dougherty’s work. Ginter Gallery II.

May 2 – June 20: Wild and Willow: Works on Paper by Tenley Beazley. Mixed media by local artist incorporating wildflowers similar to those in the Anderson Meadow. A portion of all sales benefit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Robins Visitors Center.

May 18, 7 p.m.: The Stick Man’s Stories. Patrick Dougherty talks about his work, answers questions and signs copies of his book. FREE lecture, but limited to 250 people, Massey Auditorium.

May 22, 1 – 4 p.m. Spring Fling. Includes parade to Anderson Meadow for the naming of the sculpture. Children’s Garden.

Available in the Garden Shop: Stickwork (Princeton Architectural Press) Features 38 of Dougherty’s works, includes 230 color images.