(West Palm Beach, FL – November 7, 2022) Stickwork, one of the most popular exhibitions ever at Mounts Botanical Garden, returns soon—but this will be “the final massive outdoor sculpture” by international acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty.
Known for his Stickwork projects that combine both his carpentry skills and love of nature, Dougherty’s work evolved from single pieces on conventional pedestals to monumental scale environmental works that require saplings by the truckload.Over the last 30 years, he has built over 250 of these works from Scotland to Japan to Brussels, from Miami to Cincinnati, including a very popular exhibition at Mounts in 2019, which was known by two names—Twisted pre-opening, and Cutting Corners, during its year long run.
“Each one of Dougherty’s structures are completely original, as will be his final Stickwork at Mounts,” says Rochelle Wolberg, Curator-Director at Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest 20-acre public garden, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach. “These massive, all natural structures take three weeks to hand-assemble and will be an interactive and environmental experience, perfect for adults and children to wander through, admire, and become part of a living art experience.”
Stickwork Community Build
November 14 to December 3
During the construction of his final outdoor Stickwork sculpture, Dougherty will be assisted by dozens of local volunteers as they construct a massive all natural structure using 30,000 pounds of live willow branches. Except for November 24-27 when Mounts will be closed for Thanksgiving, volunteers will work in shifts Mondays through Fridays, 8 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm. Only a limited number of volunteer positions are available and interested people need to register in advance by sending an email to [email protected] – or visit www.mounts.org.
This to be the second time having Mounts has hosted Patrick Dougherty and we’re very honored that he has chosen our Garden to construct his final outdoor Stickwork creation,” adds Wolberg. “So, this is truly a historic opportunity for art fans, garden lovers and inspired volunteers to be hands-on participants in working directly with this extraordinary artist to carefully shape saplings into a monumental piece of natural art!”
(FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)
Meet the Artist Behind Stickwork
Friday, December 2, 11 to 11:45 am
Come experience the newest Stickwork sculpture through the eyes of artist Patrick Dougherty, who is building his last monumental outdoor sculpture at the Garden. He will lead a fascinating discussion of his design and building process, answer any questions, and share what inspires his creativity. Advance registration is required by visiting https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-12/mounts.org.
(FREE for Mounts members; $20 for nonmembers. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)
Grand Opening of Stickwork
Saturday, December 3
+ Members Only Talk & Tour with Patrick Dougherty, 11 am to noon
Limited to 100 adults, this special talk and tour of Stickwork is for Mounts members only. Dougherty will share behind-the-scenes insights about how he creates these massive works of living art. Advance registration is required by visiting https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-12/mounts.org.
+ Grand Opening of Stickwork to the Public, Noon to 3 pm
The afternoon will offer a wide range of fun and family-friendly activities, including events for kids, vegan cookies, arts and crafts, food truck and beverages, live entertainment by local sensations the Lubben Brothers, and more.
(FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)
Also Opening This Month
Tropical Holiday Trees at Mounts
November 12 – December 31
Mounts Botanical Garden will ring in the holiday season with the creation of three, framed, 8-15 foot trees designed by the Mounts Horticulture Team and installed with hundreds of colorful bromeliads, orchids and other tropical botanicals.
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Last entry at 3 pm.
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate and include full Garden admission.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created byBloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 6,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
(Photo Credit: Mauney Portrait)