Morris Arboretum Unveils Stickwork Artist Patrick Dougherty’s New Abstract Sculpture: April 4 |
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March 31, 2015, Volume 61, No. 28 |
Morris Arboretum debuts its newest sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty at a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, April 4.
Created in just three weeks during March, Mr. Dougherty worked with Arboretum volunteers and staff to create a unique, site-specific piece of art from twigs, saplings, branches and sticks. As with all of his work, his art is created in full view of the public. He reflected that there is no studio door for him to close. Everything he does, everything he has to work out with his pieces, has to be done in the open given the nature of his practice in building on-site. Mr. Dougherty’s art structure took shape as he designed it, inspired by his surroundings at the Morris Arboretum. Construction involved weaving all materials without the use of nails or other supportive hardware. When people asked how volunteers knew what to do, he answered, “we were all children once and children know what to do with sticks.”
The Grand Opening celebration kicks-off on Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. with events designed for the whole family to learn more about Patrick Dougherty’s art, an eco-friendly structure. All activities are free for members or with garden admission.
Guided Sculpture Tour: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m; a bagpiper from the Emerald Pipes & Drums will lead the 11 a.m. procession to the sculpture site and open the tour with traditional Irish music in celebration of Mr. Dougherty’s heritage. Knowledgeable guides will then discuss the artist’s work process, creative problem solving and personal art philosophy.
Garden Discovery Series: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., crafty artists join the fun at the Discovery Table and design your own eco-friendly structure using all things from nature including vines, twigs, branches and leaves.
Sculpture Scavenger Hunt: debuts Saturday, April 4 and continues through October. Open your eyes to art in the garden with the new Sculpture Scavenger Hunt. Did you know that Morris Arboretum has a collection of sculptures situated throughout the garden? Pick up a clue sheet at the Visitor’s Center and solve 10 riddles to find 10 sculptures, each with a secret code attached. Guests who decipher the cryptic message will receive a complimentary pack of Play Doh® to create their own work of art.
To learn more about Patrick Dougherty, visit his website:www.stickwork.net For more information about the Grand Opening or any other Morris Arboretum event, visit www.morrisarboretum.org On the Arboretum’s web page about Patrick Dougherty, there is a segment about him from from the March 14 episode of CBS Sunday Morning.
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Putting finishing touches on the new sculpture. |
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