Press Release: Florence Griswold Museum:
Artist Builds Monumental Sculpture at Florence Griswold Museum Public Invited to Watch Process
North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty has created his monumental sculptures all over the world, but has never worked in Connecticut until now. Beginning July 7, the public is invited to watch as Dougherty constructs one of his environmental installations on the grounds of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The artist will be on site from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. “The process in itself is fascinating,” states Amy Kurtz Lansing, Curator at the Florence Griswold Museum. “It’s rare that visitors get to watch an artist in action, especially on this scale.”
Inspired by the location, Dougherty weaves truckloads of freshly harvested native tree saplings into unique forms called "stickworks." The structures interact with the landscape, introducing notes of whimsy and visual energy. Some installations reach over 24 feet high while others have been woven into trees and mounted on buildings. Combining his carpentry skills with his love for nature, Dougherty began to learn more about primitive techniques of building and to experiment with tree saplings as construction material. No nails or fasteners hold his sculptures together—just the tension of the woven saplings and sticks. During the last two decades, he has built over 150 works throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. The Florence Griswold Museum's installation is sponsored by People's Bank.
By July 24 the structure will be complete. The artwork will be “unveiled” during the Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival free concert on the lawn of the Museum. Visitors are encouraged to view the sculpture, tour the Museum’s galleries for free from 5 to 7pm and then enjoy a concert on the banks of the Lieutenant River featuring Dan Stevens and the Fiery Band.
On Wednesday, July 15 at 7pm Patrick Dougherty presents, Primitive Ways in an Accelerated World, an illustrated presentation about his experiences and techniques before touring and discussing his latest creation on the Museum’s property. Reservations are required. Call 860-434-5542 x 111 or register at www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org. Lecture fee is $9
those look FANTASTIC. what fascinating installations he creates. i'll have to find a way to get over the Old Lyme and see it up close. thanks Lisa!
Posted by: casey | June 28, 2009 at 10:26 AM
yeah right, it looks so fantastic. i want to see it up close too.
Posted by: Nature Photography | February 09, 2010 at 05:46 PM