The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Botanical Institute of Texas welcome nationally-acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty in February as he weaves, twists and shapes a one-of-a-kind Stickwork sculpture in the Fuller Garden.
As he has done many times before at many other locations, Dougherty will take the sticks and, aided by a team of volunteers, weave, wind and twist them into — what? who knows! A hut, a nest, a cocoon, a tower, a maze — whatever Dougherty wants it to be. One thing can be certain: The resulting creation will be as unique as the Garden and as rooted in the landscape of Fort Worth.
“We are delighted to have Patrick Dougherty bring his distinctive form of outdoor installation art to Fort Worth,” said President and Executive Director Ed Schneider. “I can’t wait to see what he creates here — it’s sure to be unexpected.”
Dougherty’s stick-based artworks have been featured in more than 300 locations around the world, from Japan to Belgium, and were described by the New York Times as “startling” and “delightful.” For the first time, he is bringing his art to Fort Worth. He will begin creating his structure on Feb. 1 and work through the month. Visitors are invited to view Dougherty and his team of volunteers as they work.
Once it is completed, the Stickwork, whatever it might be, will remain in the Garden for guests to explore for as long as it survives the wind and weather. Eventually all of Dougherty’s works return to the nature from which they came, usually lasting a year or two.
The sculpture exhibit viewing is included with the price of general admission. Members receive free entry. Winter hours are 8 am. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
