Distinctive Materials Itinerary

Madison’s impressive diversity is mirrored by the distinct materials used to create some of the beautiful Bucky statues on display. With Bucky as a canvas, these artists feature unique compositional elements for a new take on a classic mascot.

I Am Bucky

Monona Terrace – 1 John Nolen Dr.
We can all see ourselves in Bucky – literally. This statue is spray-painted a shiny, chrome color, providing a mirror-like finish.

 
 
 

Bucky Energized

City County Building – 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
By day, Bucky’s solar panel sunglasses soak up the sun, and at night, Bucky’s lightbulb glows brightly. Inspired by sponsor MG&E, this statue features an electric car, solar panel sunglasses and lots of sunshine. It incorporates the passions and dreams for the good of the future Madison.
 
 

Signature Bucky

111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
From a distance, Bucky looks to be in his signature red and white striped sweater, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that more than 4,000 community signatures are papier-mâchéd to the statue to create this inspiring piece. This statue reminds us of all the people in the Madison community and beyond that are united by their love for Bucky.
 
 

Ringo

110 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
“Ringo” is the nickname of Rob Andringa, a former UW hockey co-captain and close friend of the artist, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in December. Covered by mosaic tiles, this statue is dedicated to Ringo, his family and the challenges that they are facing.
 
 
 

Lucky Bucky

Wisconsin State Capitol – 2 E. Main St.
How many pennies do you think cover Lucky Bucky? The answer: 11,759! The majority of these Lincoln pennies are facing heads up, with a few exceptions. One of each type of Lincoln penny is showing the tail side-Wheat, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Bicentennial, 2009 (4 designs), and Union Shield – and a shiny W can be seen on Bucky’s chest. See if you can find them!
 
 

Sconnie B. Goode

Wisconsin State Capitol – 2 E. Main St.
Sconnie B. Goode is an unusual mix of vintage advertising and lettering, steampunk sculpture, and rustic Adirondack furniture representing cities and towns across Wisconsin. We have a fantastic mascot for this state. Bucky’s fierce stance provides the perfect form on which to celebrate the bold history and industry of Wisconsin’s people and places.
 
 

Vial Caps for a Cure

Manchester Place – 2 E. Mifflin St.
This upcycled Bucky is made from vial caps and other small plastics normally discarded during the course of patient care and surgery. The logo on Bucky’s chest represents his sponsor whose mission is printed around the base — For Research and Care. For a Cure. For Wisconsin. Garding Against Cancer raises money for cancer research and patient care around our great state. The cancer ribbons represent all cancers (lavender), cancer survivors (purple) and brain cancer (gray) which is placed in honor of Greg Gard’s father, whose cancer journey was the inspiration for establishing Garding Against Cancer.
 

Razzle Dazzle

Top of State St. – 30 W. Mifflin St.
Bucky is covered in full silver sequined fabric that was cut, tightly fitted piece by piece and fully glued to the form. Depending on your angle, Bucky will either appear to be covered in armor or be a 6-foot-tall disco ball. With the contours and reflectivity of the fabric, the statue grabs and reflects light and passing colors. Can you find the one red sequin hidden among the silver?
 
 

Celestial Bucky

Observatory Drive Overlook
Bucky is out of this world! This statue is covered with swirling celestial bodies, accented with glittery, glow-in-the-dark paint and a “W” made of stars.
 
 
 

Grow

Olbrich Botanical Gardens – 3330 Atwood Ave.
Enjoy the unique perspective of flowers above and below ground on this statue. Textured, life-like roots cover the base and connect thriving flowers and grass to a cloud-dotted sky.
 
 
 

Border Battle

Wisconsin Brewing Company – 1079 American Way
This Northwoods themed Bucky was created in mosaic, using a variety of stained glass tiles. The ax in his left hand is symbolic of the famous border battle between the Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota Golden Gophers, dating back to 1890.
 
 
 

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