A Model of New York City: The Story of Joe Macken
In the spring of 2004, Joe Macken, a truck driver from Clifton Park, New York, had a simple idea. He wanted to create something special using balsa wood. He started with a miniature model of the RCA Building in Rockefeller Center. The project was so enjoyable that he made another one the next day, and then kept going.
Macken’s passion led him to recreate not just one building, but all of Rockefeller Center, then Midtown, and eventually all of Manhattan. His creations began to pile up, leading him to rent a storage space as his basement couldn’t hold everything.
Each tiny section of his model reflects about one square mile of New York City. As he built, he never planned on displaying this work in a museum. “I was just going to look at it,” he said. “I had no plans.”
Now, for the first time, Macken’s extensive work, dubbed “Little Apple,” will be on display at the Museum of the City of New York starting February 12. The exhibit features almost 1 million meticulously carved structures, showcasing all five boroughs, landmarks, and more.
Throughout this journey, Macken credits his wife, Trish, for her unwavering support. When told by CBS News that he might continue this project for decades to come, Trish responded jokingly, “He might not have shared those details with me.”
Macken never set out to create a masterpiece, but his dedication has led to that very result. He embodies the idea that greatness comes from countless small efforts, often supported by loved ones. “I’ll just keep going,” he says. “I’ll build all of New York state if I have to. It’ll never be finished, ever.”
This dedication highlights a unique aspect of creativity: it can sometimes stem from simple beginnings and lead to extraordinary accomplishments. According to a recent survey by the American Alliance of Museums, personal passion projects like Macken’s contribute significantly to cultural landscapes.
Macken’s story resonates beyond just his models; it reminds us of the importance of persistence and the support we receive in our endeavors. As people engage with the exhibit, they may reflect on their own passions and what motivates them to keep creating.
For more insights into the world of art and creativity, you can explore the American Alliance of Museums here.
Source link
Art, New York City
