Patrick Dougherty’s ‘Stickwork’ is a Magical Experience for All Ages
September 27, 2021
On Saturday, I attended The Opening Artist Talk featuring Stickwork by North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty. As part of this year’s Detroit Month of Design, the art event was held at Eliza Howell Park in Detroit’s Brightmoor community.
Patrick completed Stickwork during his three-week artist residency in Detroit. Along with Sam Dougherty, Patrick’s son and construction assistant, local artists and volunteers also helped with the construction of the sculptures.
An internationally acclaimed eco-artist, Patrick has built over 300 sculptures like the one featured at Eliza Howell Park!
His award-winning artwork has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and other countries such as France, Japan, and Scotland.
Sam and Patrick working on Stickwork at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Volunteers helping with the Stickwork art sculptures at Eliza Howell Park.
“We are so excited to see this project come to life after so many years of planning. Patrick’s process is really unique in that it truly takes a village to make it happen. Our hearts have been touched and moved by the people who are coming out to help us build this beautiful structure.”
Ryan Myers-Johnson, Sidewalk Detroit Executive Director
BRING THE FAM TO ELIZA HOWELL PARK TO EXPERIENCE ‘STICKWORK’!
Stickwork is a family-friendly art experience so make sure you bring the kids out! They will love exploring the inside of the art sculptures.
During the event, I saw many children happily running through the openings of the sculptures playing hide-and-seek and tag. I can only imagine how magical the experience was for them to see these beautiful, gigantic structures made of trees and other natural materials.
It’s the perfect setting for children’s imagination to roam free. (Yes, even us big kids, too!)
The Opening Artist Talk (9/25/21) Pictured from left to right: Josie McQuiston (Sidewalk Detroit Program Specialist), Sam Dougherty (Patrick’s son and Construction Assistant), Patrick Dougherty (‘stickwork’ Artist), Ryan Myers-Johnson (Sidewalk Detroit Executive Director), Tommie Obioha (Sidewalk Detroit Engineer Coordinator), Augusta Morrison (Sidewalk Detroit Program Strategist) Photo by Jennifer Hamra
WHERE TO FIND ‘STICKWORK’ IN DETROIT
LOCATION: Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell Ave (Detroit)
WEBSITE: http://elizahowellpark.com/
“This unique project will bring awareness to the many ways that trees and natural elements can enhance public space and also showcase the hundreds of trees that were recently planted at the park through our reforestation and environmental impact projects.”
Lionel Bradford, The Greening of Detroit Executive Director
MORE PHOTOS OF STICKWORK AND PATRICK’S WORK
Here are a few photos from the art opening, volunteers helping with the construction of Stickwork, and Patrick’s amazing work featured in other places.
Click on an image to open the photo gallery in full view.
Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
'Stickwork' by Patrick Dougherty, featured at Eliza Howell Park in Detroit. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
Stickwork
'Stickwork' by Patrick Dougherty (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
Stickwork
The details of 'Stickwork' are fascinating! (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
Stickwork
'Stickwork' by Patrick Dougherty (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
'Stickwork' Opening at Eliza Howell Park
Two young girls play tag inside of the 'Stickwork' art sculptures at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
'Stickwork' Details
A close up view of the details of Patrick Dougherty's 'Stickwork' art sculpture. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
The View
I loved this view inside of the art sculpture. I could see the trees swaying in the cool, autumn breeze. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
'Stickwork'
You can visit 'Stickwork' at Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell Ave., Detroit. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
Group Photo
The Opening Artist Talk (9/25/21)
Patrick Dougherty
Photo of Patrick Dougherty at The Opening Artist Talk on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Eliza Howell Park. Patrick is an internationally acclaimed eco-artist from North Carolina. (Photo by Jennifer Hamra)
Sidewalk Detroit
Local artists and volunteers helped Patirck and Sam with constructing 'Stickwork' at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Sidewalk Detroit Volunteer
A volunteer helps with the 'Stickwork' art installation. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Helping with 'stickwork'
Local artists and volunteers helped Patirck and Sam with constructing 'Stickwork' at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Sidewalk Detroit
Local artists and volunteers helped Patirck and Sam with constructing 'Stickwork' at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Sidewalk Detroit
Local artists and volunteers helped Patirck and Sam with constructing 'Stickwork' at Eliza Howell Park. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Stickwork
Artist Patrick Dougherty is pictured with some of the trees and natural materials used for his 'Stickwork' art sculpture. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Sidewalk Detroit
Local artists and volunteers helped with the construction of Patrick Dougherty's 'Stickwork' art sculptures. (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
The Big Easy (2017)
The Big Easy (2017) Sarah P Duke Gardens of Duke University, Durham, NC. (Photo credit: Erika Juhlin)
NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill
Patrick Dougherty (2015) with Homegrown, his stick sculpture installation at the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill. (Photo credit: Brianna Brough)
Eliza Howell Park
Photo of Eliza Howell Park (Photo credit: Sidewalk Detroit)
Eliza Howell Park
Photo of Eliza Howell Park by Sidewalk Detroit
Eliza Howell Park
Beautiful photograph of Eliza Howell Park by Mark Schumack
Love this! For some reason I am just now seeing it!
Thanks for coming out Jennifer 🙂
You’re welcome! I loved the event and I can’t wait to take my children to see Stickwork!