Ever wonder how a monument is built? Follow our progress!

The finished clay sculpture of Section 1 with Maya Angelou and Ruby Bridges.

Section 1 covered in mold “rubber”.  (Did you notice that Ruby’s head was taken off?)

A separate mold was made for Ruby’s head.  Upon completion and cleaning, the molds are sent to the foundry.

Wax castings of each mold are created at the foundry.  Mario must check each wax head for imperfections.

After the artist’s approval, the wax castings are dipped in a ceramic coating.

Just before pouring the molten bronze into the ceramic shells, the wax is melted out.

The ceramic shells break away easily from the cooled bronze, and then the pieces are welded together.

An artisan at the foundry assembles Section 1.

Section 1 is complete in bronze except for the patina.

A team of sculptors assist Mario with the finishing details on Section 2.

Mario is sculpting the pupils into each figure’s face so the eye contact is inescapable.

Chief Joseph has received his “eyes”.

The mold makers start dividing up the clay of Section 2.

Urethane “rubber” is being applied to the side of FDR on Section 2.

Scans from the original model created by Mario Chiodo are sent to a CNC milling company.  The foam enlargements are crude but save time for the sculptors.

A sculptor holds Helen Keller together on Section 3 while Mario art directs the placement.

Section 3 takes shape!  The foam is carved and clarified before clay is added.

A sculptor works on the clay of Helen Keller.

Tim McVeigh and Tom Ripponi of KTVU with Mario Chiodo

Nina Chiodo, Don Perata

Leon Leyson

Ruby Bridges

Guy Johnson, Mario Chiodo, Leon Leyson

Mario Chiodo, Ruby Bridges, Joe Haraburda