I went out to the Minnesota Arboretum last weekend to see Patrick Dougherty’s Big Build in progress. I was so excited when I found out the Arboretum commissioned his residency here in May. A Patrick Dougherty in Minnesota – that’s big. Today, May 22, 2010 will be a ribbon cutting and naming ceremony for the new sculpture.
The top reminds me of a mosque and the closeup shots of the intertwined saplings reminded me of dreadlocks. I can’t wait to see the finished product, sans scaffolding and dangling toes.
It was love at first sight when I discovered him on-line last year and I was able to see his work last summer while visiting Colorado. He has installations around the world and now that includes lil’ old Minnesota. “Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.” David Hume, 1742 . What makes me enthralled by Patrick Dougherty’s work and someone else scratch their head?
The install is right in front of the Oswald Visitor Center. I’m embarrassed to say this was my first time at the Arboretum, and I did not go past the Visitor Center. Being a newbie, I think the the Tram tour or the Guided Walking Tour is my ticket the next time I go out there. The Happenings book has an Arboretum coupon in it, if you just want to buzz out there and look at the installation.
A huge “Thank You” to the Minnesota Arboretum for bringing Mr. Dougherty’s work to Minnesota.
Patrick Dougherty’s newest installation…The Uff da Palace – Go Minnesoda! Updated May 24, 2010.
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That structure looks quite fascinating.
This will expose the dork in me, but it’s almost hobbit-like.
The arboretum is great. My favorite time to visit is the fall and then when you leave you can head to the U of M’s apple store for some delicious fruit.
I agree, I think all his installations look a little hobbit-like.