"It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life." ~ Julius Caesar

Several years ago, while returning home from my niece's graduation from Middlebury College in Vermont, I drove past the sight pictured below. I pulled over, immediately enchanted.

"So Inclined" has embellished the Route 30 entrance to Middlebury College’s Mahaney Center for the Arts - See more at: http://www.middlebury.edu/arts/news/node/290273#sthash.Of3OWTaH.dpuf

When I drove past similar structures in Sarasota, Florida, I knew that they had to have been created by the same person. Upon further investigation, I discovered that I was right.

"Internationally renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty weaves large-scale architectural forms from trees, twigs, vines, and other natural materials. In January 2013, the artist spent three weeks in Sarasota creating one of his unique sculptures on the grounds of the historic Sarasota High School and future home of the Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA. 

His imaginative monumental sculptures made of trees, twigs, vines, and other natural materials can be seen around the world. During his three-week Sarasota project, the artist built a site-specific installation on the grounds of the historic Sarasota High School, which will become the future home of the Sarasota Museum of Art/ SMOA. The community had many opportunities to view the artist at work—and watch his creation unfold and evolve. Surkis encourages people to stop by the high school to experience the piece for themselves." http://www.ringling.edu/learn/community-education/community/smoa/patrick-dougherty-at-smoa/

To read more and to view a wonderful video showing these structures being created, please go to this site.

And now for my up close and personal visit with these gorgeous and enchanting structures!

                       Enchanting!