Ken Fager’s Mini WI project stemmed from pandemic boredom and grew into an interactive local art display
6AM City In-house

Voices

Q+A: Ken Fager of the Mini WI Project
608 mini wi
This local artist is making mini art in a big way. | Photo by Ken Fager
Ken Fager’s Mini WI project stemmed from pandemic boredom and grew into an interactive local art display. 3D printed models of the State Capitol are hidden around the city — often in little libraries or public common areas — for people to find as keepsakes. We chatted with Ken about Madison’s creative scene and how this project came to be.

Q: What sparked your interest in 3D printing?

A: Like many people stuck inside during the pandemic, I took a deep dive into some of my hobbies. I watched a few YouTube videos on how to use Blender to make 3D objects. I started by creating something local — the Capitol. The positive reaction to the Mini WI sparked something special. People stuck inside looking for novel entertainment outside of the house immediately gravitated towards trying to find the models. It took on a life of its own and continues to this day.
ken terrace.png

Look familiar? This 3D rendering is of the Monona Terrace.

Rendering by Ken Fager


Q: How does Madison reflect in your artistic process?

A: I don’t come from an artistic background at all. Since I moved to Madison, I have been extraordinarily fortunate to run into creative people I admire. Their confidence and audacity to create has been very reassuring. It’s a positive reinforcement loop, and I’m trying to extend that curiosity, creativity, and audacity to anyone else willing to take a chance.

Q: What has been your favorite iteration of your mini creations?

A: This may seem odd, but I actually don’t have a favorite model. If I did have to choose I’d say the Capitol, but only because it has inspired stunningly accurate reproductions by others. Every now and then, I’ll get a message from someone who took up 3D printing and created their own version of the Capitol. Other people creating their own versions doesn’t bother me at all — the Capitol is ours, not mine.

3D printed cow and Wisconsin

Ken’s work perfectly encapsulates Wisconsin’s charm.

Photo by Ken Fager


Q: This project is a great way to bring some awareness to the creative side of Madison. Who are some of your favorite local artists and photographers?

A: Kenton Fowler, Kristin Shafel, Chris Collins, and Emily Mills
WANT MORE MINI? CHECK OUT FULL Q+A HERE

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Today, Feb. 6
  • Full Service | Monday, Feb. 6 | 7 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave., Madison | Free | Do you work in the restaurant industry? Check out this service industry night with drink specials, free pool, and no cover. 🍻
  • Green Thumb Gardening | Monday, Feb. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $12 | Learn how to identify various common weeds in the vegetable garden and use their life cycles and other techniques to manage them.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
  • Upside Down and Inside Out | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Dragonfly Hot Yoga, 6227 McKee Rd., Fitchburg | $25 | Learn inversion and arm balance techniques utilizing props, core muscles, and a sense of humor.
  • Cécile McLorin Salvant | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison | $5-$55 | See this composer and jazz singer perform works from her Grammy award-winning albums. 🎷
Wednesday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • Cosmetic Event | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 1309 Williamson St., Madison | Free | Shop a wide variety of secondhand beauty products for a fraction of retail cost. 💄
  • George Hesselberg | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | Hop Haus Brewing Co., 2975 Sub-Zero Pkwy., Fitchburg | Free | The author of a 608today favorite, “Dead Lines: Slices of Life from the Obit Beat,” will be discussing his work during this Madison History Roundtable event.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire
Portrait of businesswoman standing against a wooden wall in office.
SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo by Dean Mitchell
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. 👀

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.

In just a few minutes, you can get matched with up to three financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest. Now that’s service.*
TAKE THE FREE QUIZ

Weather
  • 36º | Partly cloudy | 16% chance of rain
Civic
  • In-person absentee voting for the Spring Primary starts tomorrow. Residents who plan on voting absentee have until Sunday, Feb. 19 to do so. Find your absentee voting location here and learn more about this year’s election in our Spring Primary guide. 🗳️
Plan Ahead
  • President Joe Biden will be visiting Madison this Wednesday, Feb. 8 — following his State of the Union Address — to discuss economic plans. The exact location and time of the visit have not been disclosed, but traffic delays downtown are likely. (NBC 15)
Cause
  • Dane County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program is seeking mentors. With around 200 kids in need of a match, those interested are encouraged to fill out an online application. Mentors are expected to make a year-long commitment to meeting with their mentees on a monthly basis. 👨‍👩‍👦 (Cap Times)
Outdoors
  • Lake experts are warning of a patch of dangerously thin ice and exposed water on Lake Monona. Locals planning on partaking in any winter activities on the ice should stay close to the shore. (Madison.com)
Shop
  • Evereve, a women’s clothing store at Hilldale Shopping Center, is expanding. The store will be taking over space that was once home to Title Nine. Construction will wrap up in early spring and won’t affect the store’s current hours. (NBC 15)
  • From chocolates to candles and cards, we’ve got you covered with all things loveable in our online shop, Six & Main. Explore our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to start shopping for sweet presents such as this bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. 🍫
Travel
  • Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool. 🏝️ *
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This totally rules 🤘

Etiquette Rules in Madison
rules notesheet
Let us know if you can think of any other 608-centric rules. | Photo via Canva Pro
New York Magazine’s “The New Rules” article has taken social media by storm. We found a few rules that may be especially relatable to Madisonians.

No. 14 | Never send an edible arrangement.
Instead, try Felly’s or Choles.

No. 1 | You don’t have to read everyone’s book.
These local authors may disagree.

No. 11 | When another human is present, don’t talk to your animal in the private voice you use when alone together.
You’ll be free from judgment at Boneyard or any of Madison’s dog parks.

No. 24 | Never answer a compliment with a compliment.
This one seems virtually impossible for us Midwest nice folk.

No. 54 | Don’t browbeat anyone into joining a game at a party.
You’re guaranteed to find people to play with at Roll Play.

No. 107 | Treat buses like church pews — sit or stand as far in as possible so no one has to climb over you.
Someone needs to get this message relayed to everyone on the 80, STAT.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: Anyone else a sucker for quirky knick-knacks? I went to Retro Revolution for the first time this weekend and now need to exponentially increase the shelf space in my apartment; it’s a treasure trove of antique glassware, decor, and jewelry.

Missed our last newsletter? We put together a game of 608 Bingo.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

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