Honoring Nature, Inviting Curiosity with “The Art of Stickwork”

In the weeks leading up to the November construction of STICKWORK, a sculpture comprising thousands of pounds of willow that will grace the Kapnick Caribbean Lawn for approximately two years, guests to Naples Botanical Garden will have the chance to take a peek into the artist's mind and creative processes. This companion exhibition, “The Art of Stickwork,” is on view starting October 1, 2021, lasting until January 9, 2022, and features photographs and original sketches of sculptor Patrick Dougherty's one-of-a-kind interactive sculptures, woven from tree saplings.

The exhibition, located inside Kapnick Hall, is enhanced with multimedia displays to provide insight into Dougherty's artistic approach, preferred materials, and the way in which he honors nature and invites curiosity. It's a process he and his son, Sam, have repeated over 300 times at sites around the world, each time with the help of hand-picked volunteers at each respective location.

Enjoy “The Art of Stickwork” the entire month of October before Dougherty’s arrival for a glimpse of what’s to come or view it in tandem with his latest STICKWORK installation on the Kapnick Caribbean Garden lawn upon its completion in late November.

Dougherty’s sculptural process inspired the Garden's 2021 – 2022 season theme, Intertwined, which launches October 1, 2021. Programming, exhibitions, horticultural displays, tours, and publications will examine mutual relationships that exist in nature, the essential bond between people and their environment, and the vitality that results from honoring those ties.