Scenic Fabrication & Experiential Environments
Custom sculptural installations, scenic elements, and themed environments for pop-ups, exhibits, venues, and experiential projects.
Designed and fabricated by Minneapolis artist and environment builder Barry McMahon.
Projects combine sculpture, scenic finishes, interior elements, and narrative design to create memorable spaces and visual focal points.
What I Build
I design and fabricate sculptural elements and scenic environments for experiential installations, themed spaces, and exhibition settings. Each project begins with the concept and develops through material selection, fabrication, and installation tailored to the needs of the environment.
Projects may incorporate a wide range of materials depending on the concept, including sculpted foam, wood, metal, reclaimed materials, scenic finishes, textiles, lighting elements, and specialty fabrication.
Installations can be developed in modular components when required for transport and on-site assembly.
Featured Projects
Kokomos – Mall of America
Carved giant tiki figures created for the Kokomos entertainment venue, including a towering Elvis-inspired tiki based on cartoon illustrations provided by the client. I reinterpreted the character drawings as sculptural forms and carved each piece by eye to create expressive, dimensional figures that anchored the themed environment.
The project also included oversized floral installations, scenic finishes, and integrated environmental elements that helped shape the atmosphere of the space.
Kokomos – Mall of America
Carved giant tiki figures created for the Kokomos entertainment venue, including a towering Elvis-inspired tiki based on cartoon illustrations provided by the client. I reinterpreted the character drawings as sculptural forms and carved each piece by eye to create expressive, dimensional figures that anchored the themed environment.
The project also included oversized floral installations, scenic finishes, and integrated environmental elements that helped shape the atmosphere of the space.
Bilimbi Bay
Themed environment design incorporating murals, fabricated palm elements, interior finishes, and selected materials for seating areas and décor.
This project blended scenic painting, fabricated elements, and interior design considerations to create a cohesive immersive setting.
McDonald’s / White Sox Stadium Installation
Environmental installation created for a Leo Burnett advertising campaign at Chicago White Sox stadium.
The project involved fabrication and on-site installation of sculptural elements designed to function as a visual centerpiece within a live event environment.
10/10/10 Global Environmental Initiative
Sculptural installations representing the yoga poses Mountain Pose, Warrior I, and Triangle Pose, created for the international 10/10/10 environmental initiative.
The sculptures combined figurative form with environmental themes and were designed to function as symbolic public installations.
Recycled Assemblage Works
Sculptural pieces created from reclaimed and repurposed materials exploring environmental themes and narrative form.
These works demonstrate an approach that integrates sustainability, texture, and unexpected materials into sculptural design and installation work.
Humdanceyouladid (pronounced: hum-dance-you-la-did)
Character sculpture in development based on an original children’s book currently in development.
The piece translates illustrated form into a dimensional character through carving, surface refinement, and finish work, bridging storytelling and physical environment.
This work represents a direction toward narrative-driven installations and character-based environments.
Capabilities
Sculpture & Fabrication
Armatures, foam carving, assemblage, and custom-built sculptural elements.
Scenic Painting & Finishes
Scenic painting, faux finishes, textured surfaces, and decorative finishes including gold leaf and compo ornament.
Environmental Design
Integration of sculptural elements within interior environments, thematic spatial concepts, and material selection.
Project Development
Concept design, collaboration with specialty fabricators when required, and on-site assembly and installation.
Who I Work With
Experiential marketing agencies
Exhibit designers
Museums
Entertainment venues
Interior designers
Event producers
Hospitality environments
Location
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Available for collaborative projects and installations.
Contact
Let’s Build Something
If you are developing an installation, experiential environment, exhibit element, or themed space, I would be glad to discuss the project.