By Tyler Whitson.
Interview recorded on 2013-01-11, aired on 2013-01-28.
Broadcast version.

Those who have recently driven past what was once Sarasota High School and is now slated to be the Sarasota Museum of Art (SMOA), at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, may have been surprised to see an enormous organic sculpture constructed completely out of bare, untreated Crape Myrtles woven together in a way that allows visitors to wander in an explore what lies inside.

While the sculpture, which is entitled "Out in Front," was still under construction on Friday, Jan. 11, I had the opportunity to interview the sculptor, Patrick Dougherty, who was outside threading branches and leading a team of volunteers in the afternoon sun to produce his 239th work of art.

The SMOA, which commissioned the sculpture, currently offers docent tours of its grounds from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It is also currently holding a competition, called "Sticks and Clicks," in which members of the public can compete for prizes of up to $1000, plus Dougherty's book, "Stickwork." Entries are due by Sunday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. and can be submitted at www.sarasotamuseumofart.org.