Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A Summer Palace in the Trees

Summer Palace


If you didn’t catch the shamanic splendor of sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s “tree installation” at the Grounds for Sculpture a few years ago, or if you simply miss the experience of wandering and wondering through that type of earth-constructed magic, consider visiting the Morris Arboretum (of the University of Pennsylvania) where Summer Palace, one of his latest installations, will remain on view until it gives in to the elements.


The Arboretum is beautiful, 92 acres of rare trees and romantic vistas (its designed landscapes are based on elegant Victorian-era designs) just northwest of Philadelphia (Chestnut Hill.) The staff work hard to integrate art, science, human ideas and the natural world -- and it’s open year-round, 7 days a week. There is an entrance fee. There are also (in addition to the grounds, themselves) special permanent and rotating exhibits (including the miniature Garden Railway that runs through the gardens until mid-October), occasional concerts, and an extremely reasonable cafe on-site, so you can easily make a full day of it.


By the way, for a serene video re-visit to Patrick's Grounds for Sculpture installation, check out Rich Butterfoss’ award winning documentary on YouTube .


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