Ames Welcomes Artist Patrick Dougherty to Ada Hayden Park

This fall internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty and volunteers will use primitive building techniques to weave truckloads of indigenous tree saplings into an organic, free-standing sculpture inspired by the local environment in Ada Hayden Park (north of Ames, Iowa on Grand Avenue/U.S. 69). The installation will take on new shapes and characteristics every day. The public is invited to watch and participate in the construction.

Installation will begin October 1 - 3 and be completed by October 19. Except for October 4, 5 and Sundays, Mr. Dougherty will be working daily from 8 a.m. - 12 and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come by Ada Hayden to view the progress and talk with Mr. Dougherty and volunteers as they work to create this one of a kind work.

Schedule:
Sept 13, 20, and 27 - Volunteers harvest saplings
Sept 28 - Meet the sculptor, Patrick Dougherty, at the Octagon
Arts Festival
Sept 29-Oct 1 -Dougherty prepares the Ada Hayden site and trains
volunteer assistants
Oct 5-19 - Artist constructs sculpture in Ada Hayden Park

Lectures:
Oct 4 at 7pm, “Primitive Ways in an Accelerated World” - Ames City Hall Auditorium, 515 Clark Avenue
Oct 8 at 7pm, “Building Sculpture on Location: A Melding of Design & Community” - NEW LOCATION! Memorial Union Great Room at Iowa State University. Sponsored by the College of Design, ISU.
Visit http://www.cityofames.org/PAC/Patrick for updates and to learn when two on-site lectures will occur.

Dedication:
Oct 16 at 6pm, Ada Hayden Park

Would you like to help? Volunteers are needed to help gather saplings on Sept. 20 and 27. Light-duty helpers are also invited to assist Dougherty during the installation construction. To sign up, call 515-239-5101 or send your contact information and area of interest in helping to:
City of Ames Public Art Commission, Box 811, Ames, IA 50010.

For more information including a continually updated schedule of events, including public lectures and dedication, or to volunteer, visit the Ames Public Art Commission website at http://www.cityofames.org/PAC/Patrick.