TODAY'S HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

*Last entry is an hour before closing

TODAY'S HOURS: 8 AM – 6 PM

*Last entry is an hour before closing

Renowned “Stickwork” Artist to Build Sculpture in the Botanic Garden

FORT WORTH, Texas (January 21, 2021) — The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas (FWBG|BRIT) welcome nationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty during the month of 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, Texas.

“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 art works 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.

In 2014, Dougherty told CBS Sunday Morning what he wanted people to experience when they viewed his work: “I want people to feel the sense of exploration. You’re in another place. You’ve been transported through the forest garden back to the Garden of Eden.”

Look for one stick-built doorway to delight, ascending in Fort Worth soon. Sculpture exhibit viewing included with the price of general admission. Members receive free entry.

Research Team

Related Articles

BRIT News

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Hosts “Living” Sculptures by Renowned Artist Seward Johnson 

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will be hosting Seward Johnson Sculptures in the Garden, Mar. 1 – Sept. 1. This art installation of 21 lifelike sculptures by the late artist Seward Johnson, will take Garden guests by surprise as they encounter “living” art that fools the eye and begs for double takes. Strategically placed to blend with their surroundings, Johnson’s unique creations make everyday occurrences special and bring classic art to life.  

Read More »
Butterflies in the Garden
BRIT News

EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES TO TAKE FLIGHT AT THE FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

Leave your passport at home and come to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden to experience some of the planet’s most beautiful pollinators in one convenient place. Butterflies in the Garden, presented by Central Market, will take flight, March 1 through April 14, in the Rainforest Conservatory.

Read More »
BRIT News

Funds to Preserve Global Plant Biodiversity Awarded to Five Botanic Gardens

The Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) a collaborative science-based effort led by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), BGCI-US, and the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) are pleased to announce five awards to botanic gardens and arboreta in five countries to collect and conserve plant diversity. The GGI-Gardens Awards Program supports activities to preserve Earth’s genomic biodiversity of plants through sampling of living collections maintained at botanic gardens around the world.

Read More »
BRIT News

SHEDDING SOME LIGHT ON THE SOLAR ECLIPSE 

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History are partnering for a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse experience! Both venues will offer eclipse viewing areas and exciting educational activities for guests on April 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

Read More »