Field Notes: Open Studio with Preston Montague
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Event details
Hear from Dix Park's Artist in Residence
Location
Stone Houses Visitor Center
Category
Arts & Culture
Event Details
Join Dix Park’s Artist in Residence, landscape architect Preston Montague, to hear about his year-long work building grasslands throughout Dix Park.
Location: Physician's House, Artist Studio
The project, Memory is a Hearth is a three-part installation composed of native grassland ecosystems planted in key locations across Dix Park, designed to evolve over time as dynamic, living sculptures. Each grassland is part ecological restoration, part public art, offering habitat for pollinators and wildlife while inviting recreation and reflection on the stories and cultures rooted in this landscape.
During this open studio evening, Preston will describe how these grasslands express history, health, and possible ecological futures for the City of Raleigh. He will also share details on the design and installation of his ecological artwork, and answer questions about enhancing ecological health on your property through native plants and land care practices.
This program was developed in collaboration with Preston Montague, Dix Park 2025 Artist in Residence. As part of his residency, Preston is exploring how art and ecology intersect to deepen our connection with the natural world. This experience is one of several offerings that bring his vision to life through creative, place-based learning.
Know Before You Go
The Artist in Residence studio is located in the Physician's House, which is the middle building of the three Stone Houses.
Stone Houses Visitor Center Address: 830 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Via Western Boulevard: Enter at Hunt Drive or S. Boylan Avenue
- Via Lake Wheeler Road: Enter at Umstead Drive
- Follow signs towards Stone Houses Visitor Center
Parking is located in Lot C below the Chapel
Dix Park continues to strive to be accessible and welcoming for visitors, including those with disabilities. Currently, portions of Dix Park, including some areas where programs and events occur, have uneven surfaces and are not fully accessible. Accessibility is a primary focus for all park improvements and development.
Artist Studio: Located on the second floor up a flight of stairs.
Parking: ADA parking spaces for the Stone Houses are located behind the buildings off Tate Dr.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Superintendents House public restroom facility seven days a week from 8 am - 8 pm
Building Entrances: Ramps are located at the rear of the buildings.
Multiuse Path: The connection from the Rocky Branch Greenway to Umstead Dr. in front of the Stone Houses is fully accessible.
Programs and Events: Raleigh Parks Inclusion Services works with community members to support participation. To request a program modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form or contact Inclusion Services staff at 919-996-2147 or ParksInclusion@raleighnc.gov.
Contact Dix Park Staff at 919-996-3255 or events@dixpark.org.
