Dix Park's Inaugural Artist in Residence, Preston Montague, Unveils "Memory is a Hearth" Living Art Installation
Year-long residency creates native grassland ecosystems as interactive public art throughout Dix Park
(RALEIGH, NC) – August 5, 2025 – The Dix Park Conservancy (DPC) announces the launch of "Memory is a Hearth," a groundbreaking ecological art installation by Preston Montague, the park's inaugural Artist in Residence. The project transforms native grassland ecosystems into dynamic, living sculptures throughout Dix Park.
The year-long residency centers on three guiding themes: Uncover. Discover. Recover. Montague seeks to unearth buried stories and native plant species in Dix Park's soil, help visitors discover new perspectives on the park's past and present, and recover crucial habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. The ambitious project leans into the 308-acre site’s history as a Native American crossroads, a pioneering mental health hospital and more.
"Historically, Dix Park was not likely forested but rather sprawling grasslands, shaped by American Indian stewardship," Montague notes. "As a former place of healing, Dix Park offers an opportunity to link human and environmental health through landscape transformations that boost recreation opportunities and resources for birds and pollinating insects. This project visualizes an origin story of Raleigh, grounding the residency’s first year in both beauty and purpose."
Working in close collaboration with nationally-renowned native seed company Roundstone Native Seed Co., as well as the innovative Hoffman Nursery in Bahama, Raleigh Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR), and DPC, Montague has developed bespoke grassland seed combinations specific to this residency, which will be available to the public from Roundstone in the fall.
The grassland installations utilize plants historically found at Dix Park, selected for their capacity to serve as keystone species supporting pollinating insects and songbirds. Fall-blooming goldenrods, asters and grasses are being prioritized in some areas that match their preferred habitats, and will provide a lovely show towards the end of the year Fast-growing, fast-blooming species of other plants, like bee balm and blanketflower, are being prioritized in places where they will provide quick resources for wildlife, like hummingbirds and butterflies.
The installations are fully interactive, with visitors encouraged to walk through the different grasslands, observe the wildlife they support and even collect seeds. Montague will provide guided tours to visitors closer to fall. These waist-high grasslands will evolve over seasons and years, changing in appearance as species take root, move and mature.
Installation began in June 2025, with current locations including the site of former hospital staff cottages, The Grove, and behind the Pine Grove. These installations, entitled Vestora, A Wildening, and The Lamp, respectively, are each inspired by Dix Park's cultural and natural histories in their own unique way. Each of these grassland ecosystem installations will have its own concept and plant species combinations that respond to the specific ecological portfolio of each site.
Preston will continue offering free public programming exploring the history, ecology, technology, and art of grassland ecosystems throughout the fall. These outreach experiences are specifically designed to help participants understand the natural world around them and educate them on how to install native grassland ecosystems at their homes or businesses. Upcoming programs include:
September 6: The Nature of Drawing + Flora of the Southeastern United States
October 18: Exploring Grasslands Through Ecology
October 18: Birdsong and Brushstrokes: Exploring Grasslands Through Art
"Preston is bringing his unique vision to life at a pivotal time for the park as we continue to execute on the priorities of the Master Plan," said Marjorie Hodges, Dix Park Conservancy board member and chair of the arts task force. "His work demonstrates how environmental art can honor the natural beauty of the land while building community through programming and education."
The launch of “Memory is a Hearth” follows the grand opening of Gipson Play Plaza, an 18.5-acre interactive destination attraction. These and other park features are mapped out in the Dix Park Master Plan, which outlines the long-term strategy for the Park while preserving the natural beauty and historic significance.
The residency is made possible through collaboration with key partners including Raleigh PRCR, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Roundstone Native Seed Company and Hoffman Nursery. DPC extends gratitude to the Carlyle Adams Foundation and Leonard Graham and Carolyn Happer for their generous support of this inaugural residency.
Preston would like to thank ecologist Dr. Julie Tuttle and conservationist Johnny Randall for their guidance on the residency's big ideas and ecological goals. As well as Hannah Liebel of DPC for her help with art direction and concept development.
The Residency operates with a total one-year budget of $80,000 and is hosted inside the renovated Physician's House at Dix Park, originally built in the 1920s.
For updates on programming and additional installation locations, follow the Dix Park Conservancy on social media.
About Dix Park Conservancy
The City of Raleigh owns and operates Dorothea Dix Park. Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to support the City in its efforts, serve as its philanthropic and community engagement partner, and ensure the creation and long-term success of Dorothea Dix Park as a place for everyone -- a transformative public space for community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina.