Ken Fager never expected to be known for 3D printing. But almost five years after its inception, his #MiniWI (pronounced “mini wee”) project remains his claim to local fame and a source of entertainment for countless Madison residents.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fager, an prolific amateur photographer, bought a 3D printer to create intricate camera parts. To practice with the new technology, he designed and printed models of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Prototypes began stacking up on his desk. But instead of throwing them away, Fager decided, “I can maybe just give them away.”
Thus, the MiniWI Project was born. Fager began hiding the models in Madison’s dozens of Little Free Libraries. He would drop hints about the hiding spots on his Instagram page. And the hunt was on.
“It being the pandemic, people were searching out new, novel things to stay entertained, to keep their sanity,” Fager says. “It took off like wildfire.”
Today, the project has grown beyond Fager’s wildest dreams. By his own estimation he’s hidden over 5,000 sculptures. In addition to the original Capitol model, Fager has created models of other state landmarks including Lambeau Field and Camp Randall; icons like a robin, cow and badger; and a miniature version of the state itself — all in endless colors and design variations.
Fager says he takes “a perverse pride” in the fact that it’s virtually impossible to collect every #MiniWI variation. But that hasn’t stopped some people from trying. Madison resident Michael Weerts has collected 24 unique sculptures. He appreciates how Fager’s project makes life feel “like a video game.”
“The world needs more whimsy like [Fager’s] providing,” Weerts says. “If everyone were as cool as him, the world would be a lot cooler.”
For Fager’s part, he’s not in it for the applause. In fact, he almost never sees the reactions people have to his work. But occasionally, someone will reach out to express their appreciation for the project.
“And it’s messages like that that really validate my efforts to spread small acts of kindness around in the community,” Fager says.
