NORTON - Wheaton College is getting some new art - and the help of a world-renowned artist in creating it.

Patrick Dougherty, known around the world for his unconventional "streetcorner art" sculptures, will be at Wheaton for three weeks to work with students and create a large piece of art that will be displayed in a highly visible section of campus.

Tripp Evans, an art historian and professor at Wheaton, said Dougherty's visit will present a great opportunity for students.

"Not only do they get to see an internationally known artist at work, they get to actually work with him," he said.

When it comes to Dougherty's sculptures, seeing really is believing. He takes truckloads of sticks, twigs and saplings and twists them together to create large structures, some as tall as 20 feet. The final products tend to resemble structures built by nature or simple, rustic huts.

"His art tends to really surprise people," Evans said. "Even though you know it's man-made, it has a very natural look to it."

The structure will be built across from the visitors' parking lot and will be visible from Route 123, so motorist driving by the campus will be able to check it out.

"We chose the site to make sure (the art) is viewable to the people of the town," Evans said.

Dougherty began creating his art in the 1980s and has since created more than 150 pieces throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He has also designed pieces on display at Brown University in Providence.

Because of the materials used for the structures, they typically only last two to three years. Evans said, however, the shorter shelf-life of the art can help add to its mystique.

"Since it's intended only to be temporary, I think it makes people appreciate it more," he said. "People will pay more attention knowing it will be here for a limited time."

Work is set to begin on the project Tuesday, when Dougherty with the arrival of materials. Dougherty will work with two to four students at a time for two-hour shifts for the duration of the project.

The structure will be unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19.

MATT KAKLEY can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.