The Center for Creativity and the Arts (CCA) at Fresno State is hosting internationally-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty as artist-in-residence November 5-28 in support of its 2012-13 theme “Consumption and Sustainability.”
Dougherty will work on the Fresno State campus with university students and community volunteers to construct a site-specific work using natural materials including sustainable growth trees. The project site is located on Fresno State’s Maple Mall, west of the Conley Art building. The public is encouraged to observe the project construction 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Admission is free.
Combining his carpentry skills with his love of nature, Dougherty learned primitive building techniques, experimenting with tree saplings as construction material. Beginning in the early 1980s with small works fashioned in his backyard, his projects soon grew to large, site-specific installations that are shaped from sustainably harvested trees.
Dougherty relies on the material’s natural propensity to intertwine and creates his works without the use of nails, wire, hardware or adhesives. To date, he has created more than 230 sculptures that feature hidden nooks, doorways and secret windows that foster connections with the natural world.
“From the gathering of the materials, to selecting skilled volunteers, the organic creativity and physicality of the work is inspiring and highly educational,” said Jose Diaz, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and CCA’s Interim Director. “Our community members who take time to visit the work site begin to feel a sense of pride and ownership over the project.”
Field trips are scheduled for local K-12 children to observe Dougherty at work and create simple projects that mimic the larger project.
Dougherty’s visit to the Central Valley was made possible by a gift from the Central Valley Foundation’s McClatchy Fresno Art Endowment as part of the Fresno Green Art Project, a collaboration between the Center for Creativity and the Arts, Fresno Art Museum and Arte Americas.
In conjunction with his residency at Fresno State, Dougherty will give a public lecture at the Fresno Art Museum, November 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the Bonner Auditorium. The Fresno Art Museum is currently exhibiting large-format photographs documenting Dougherty’s installations around the globe.
The Center for Creativity and the Arts is an institution designed to bridge people, disciplines and ideas through art and exploration. Each academic year explores a common theme, addressing a current and complex issue facing our society. The theme for 2012-13 is “Consumption and Sustainability.” Through exhibitions, films, lectures, debates, and performances, this topic is approached from a cross-disciplinary perspective garnering input and expertise from a variety of colleges at Fresno State.
For more information, contact Jacqueline Doumanian: 559.278.8342, jdoumanian@csufresno.edu
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