Meet Lotty the Squid: Where Art, Imagination and Nature Come Together

There’s a new resident in Lost Hollow at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, and she’s hard to miss. Her vibrant red tentacles stretch across the amphitheater and pond, bringing a playful new presence to the landscape. Meet Lotty the Squid, an interactive work of art that invites you to get curious, use your imagination and become part of the experience.

Created by Moradavaga, an international architecture and design collective, Lotty is more than a sculpture to admire. Call into her tentacles and listen as your voice travels through the artwork, creating an unexpected connection between you, the sculpture and the natural surroundings. She's here to encourage children to play, explore and experience art in nature — and she does it in a way that's hard to forget.

An Invitation to Play

Lotty is a wonderful example of how art can become an experience. Moradavaga's work is rooted in the idea of creating objects that come to life through human interaction. They describe these creations as "dormant tools" — pieces that wait for someone to engage with them before transforming into something more.

That's exactly what happens with Lotty. Her bold, playful presence catches your attention, but it's when you call into her tentacles and hear your voice echo that the real experience begins. You're no longer simply looking at art. You're participating in it.

Bringing Lotty to Daniel Stowe Conservancy was quite an undertaking. More than ten members of the horticulture team spent two days installing her, carefully positioning each tentacle to create an installation that is both secure and inviting. The result is a striking addition to Lost Hollow, where her vibrant red color stands out against the natural setting.

And Lost Hollow is the perfect place for her. Already home to frogs, turtles, snakes, birds, fish and countless insects, this imaginative garden now has a new resident encouraging visitors to slow down, explore and rediscover the joy of play.

Connecting People to Nature Through Play

At GoGastonNC, we love seeing how Daniel Stowe Conservancy continues to bring its mission of connecting people to nature to life. Lotty is another example of that commitment, offering a fresh way to experience the outdoors through art, curiosity and imagination.

It's an approach that extends well beyond Lost Hollow.

The Adventure Trail, invites visitors to take a different kind of walk through the woods. The little-more-than-a-mile trail winds through imaginative spaces that feel like something you might have built as a child in the woods — places to play on rocks, make music, explore and let your imagination lead the way.

It's not about rushing to the end of the trail. It's about experiencing what's along the way, discovering something unexpected and giving children the freedom to play and connect with the natural world.

At the end of the trail, the Prairie Castle offers even more opportunity for adventure. This three-story wooden castle rises above the prairie, creating a place where kids can climb, explore and continue their outdoor play.

And with the addition of Big Leaf Café, there's even more reason to stay awhile. Grab a bite to eat or a drink, then head back out to explore the gardens, wander the trail or spend more time playing. You don't have to leave the property to make a day of it.

Don't Miss Lotty!

From an interactive squid in Lost Hollow to imaginative play spaces tucked into the woods and a castle rising above the prairie, Daniel Stowe Conservancy is creating opportunities for visitors to experience nature in ways that are engaging, unexpected and memorable.

Lotty is a reminder that connecting with nature doesn't always mean taking a hike or admiring a beautiful garden. Sometimes it means calling into the tentacles of a giant squid, listening for your voice and seeing where your imagination takes you.

Don't miss the chance to meet Lotty before she leaves Lost Hollow on April 27, 2027. Explore the gardens, discover the Adventure Trail and make time to enjoy everything Daniel Stowe Conservancy has to offer.

Come experience what happens when art, imagination and nature connect.

Learn more and plan your visit at DanielStoweConservancy.org.