Now, who would’ve thought of art made from saplings with the help of hundreds of helping hands? Patrick Dougherty, an artist who has combined his carpentry skills with his love of nature to create installations from Maine to California as well as in many foreign countries. Because of the volunteer effort required, his work truly becomes a community project that is the source of much delight.
When a friend told me of a project being done in Houston’s Hermann Park, it dawned on me I had just seen the same artist’s work at a winery in Napa Valley and was fascinated by it.
All finished, the Houston installation is drawing big crowds
that marvel over the construction
that seems to be a natural part of the landscape. The three little pigs would have done well to have such a sturdy house!
Whether or not children appreciate the work for its artistry, they love to wander through the space
and delight in discovering the magic of what probably seems to them a great big playhouse!
Isn’t it wonderful that art takes so many forms and enriches our life on a variety of levels?
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Are those grandchildren in the pictures?
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You guessed right.
Very cute by the way!!!
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Oh, there be hobbits here! I can see why your Grandchildren loved the place. What artistry, I had never heard of this artist or technique before, thanks for sharing.
Would’t it be fun to have a twig house in the garden for kids to play. Of course, I need some grandchildren first.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful creations.
That is very cool.
Love this ! Cannot wait to run over to Hermann Park and see for myself!
P.S. Reminds me of the joy I had as a child building “fairy houses” out of twigs, moss, tiny rocks and other small found treasures for decoration!
Fairy houses, we still make then in Maine, and they are a joy.
Those are awesome, especially the first photo! Thanks for sharing, Linda.
Lovely…and soon I will be in Minnesota. Do you where exactly it is located?
It is located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska I believe.
Amazing!
Wow…those houses of twigs are just phenomenal!…What an incredible talent…looks like everyone is enjoying them!
I have never seen anything like this. Amazing.
Glad you shared this.
Beautiful! I love it!
Wow! It’s like he just took his cue straight from all of nature’s birds and squirrels and all the other animals that build with twigs and end up with a sturdy,, weatherproof nest!!! Incredible!!!
Wow, that is the craziest collection I’ve ever seen! How cool that it is interactive and not behind a rope!
Jenna
Hi, I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! Check out my blog http://beautyandthebutcher.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/b-is-for-belated-and-better-late-than-never/ to see the details and congratulations!
What wonderful pieces of art! I’d love to have one of these in my community. They must be well built and sturdy, since children are climbing on them. Amazing! laurie
That is so cool! Love the the young boy’s smile 🙂
Wow! So very cool! And what a cutie!
I must go see this display! It is just amazing how blessed we are in Houston with all the art installations.