Project Authorship, Acknowledgements, & Credits
Creating large-scale sculpture is a team effort.
Over three decades ago, artist Mark Aeling founded MGA Sculpture Studio. Since then, MGA has brought together talented builders, designers, engineers, fabricators, concept rendering artists, photographers, installers, and other skilled professionals to help bring large-scale sculptures from concept to completion.
Artist & Studio
MGA Sculpture Studio commissions are contracted with artist Mark Aeling, with the sculptures produced and built by the MGA Sculpture Studio team.
Mark Aeling is the artist responsible for the artwork, its concept, and its overall artistic direction. The MGA Sculpture Studio Team manages the processes of bringing the commissioned artwork from concept through completion, including coordinating the subcontractors and other professionals whose specialized skills contribute to the finished sculpture.
We believe everyone who contributes to an MGA project deserves accurate recognition for the work they performed.
Thank you for the help to the many individuals involved each step of the way:
“Catalyst”
Designed for the LSU Chemistry Building in Baton Rouge, LA., MGA was selected the create this striking visual anchor for a space dedicated to scientific inquiry. Expected Installation Fall 2026. Budget $95,000
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Jolie Talha (Designer), Alex Kaufman (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Mary Ratcliff (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley, Ashley Rivers
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: TBD
Oak Street- “Rain Drop, Vortex, & Seed Pods”
The City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program selected MGA Sculpture Studio, LLC to create 3 sculptures for the Oak Street Stormwater Improvement project in 2019. Installed September 2026. Budget $150,000
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Jolie Talha (Designer), Parker Bradford (Designer), Jeff Meckley (Designer), Mary Ratcliff (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Hannah Neilsen, Ashley Rivers (editing)
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley, Laura Spencer, Rodrick Rivers, Evan Ehrsam
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling, Ashley Rivers (editing)
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Lamar State College Port Arthur, Texas State University System
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mike Morroni, Ashley Rivers (editing)
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Carrie Jadus
Design: Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley, Ashley Rivers, Jolie Talha, Diego Molinas
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mike Rixon
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Cora Van Vleet, Chris Horsley, Ashley Rivers, Jolie Talha, Laura Spencer, Savannah Hubbard, Diego Molinas
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Jolie Talha (Designer)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Jolie Talha (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Chris Horsley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling, Alex Kaufman (editing)
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Mary Ratcliff (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Cora Van Vleet, Ethan Harmon, Savannah Hubbard, Mike Morroni, Ashley Rivers
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Carrie Jadus
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Katelyn Ackley (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Mary Ratcliff (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Cora Van Vleet, Savannah Hubbard, Mike Morroni
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Katelyn Ackley (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Mary Ratcliff (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Cora Van Vleet, Savannah Hubbard, Ashley Rivers, Mike Morroni, Jenipher Chandley
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Zack Price, Ashley Rivers
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Katelyn Ackley (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Mary Ratcliff (Designer), Katelyn Ackley (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ashley Rivers, Cora Van Vleet, Mike Morroni, Ethan Harmon
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Katelyn Ackley (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ashley Rivers, Mike Morroni, Megan Kesler
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Ashley Rivers (Office Manager)
Photos: Mike Rixon
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Megan Kesler, Joshua Barbour
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alexa Gruschow (Office Manager)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Mike Morroni, Megan Kesler, Joshua Barbour, Laura Spencer, Lio Eckerie, Wesley Jadus, George Medeiros, Courtney Dodson, Alexa Gruschow
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alexa Gruschow (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Robert Englehart (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Ethan Harmon, Alex Albano, Joshua Barbour, Lio Eckerie, Wesley Jadus, Ashley Rivers
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alexa Gruschow (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Robert Englehart (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Aleisha Prather, Adam Beliunas, Audrey Short, Jeremiah Jacobs, Ian Tuma, Alex Albano
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alexa Gruschow (Office Manager)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), Robert Englehart (Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Aleisha Prather, Adam Beliunas, Ian Tuma, Alex Albano
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alexa Gruschow (Office Manager)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer), George Retkes (Studio Manager)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes (Studio Manager), Tyler Houston, Aleisha Prather, Adam Beliunas, Audrey Short, Jeremiah Jacobs, Brian Spadafora, Bailey Gumienny, Salvador Saint Germain, JR Lodico, Alex Kaufman
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Rosemary Walsh (Office Manager)
Photos:
For the projects listed below, acknowledgements are still in-progress.
“Gladiolus / Shielded”
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes, Tyler Houston, TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Alex Kaufman (Lead Designer)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes, Tyler Houston, TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Alex Kaufman
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Chris Padow (Designer), Alex Kaufman (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Chris Padow (Designer), Alex Kaufman (Designer)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes, Tyler Houston, TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Chris Padow (Designer), Alex Kaufman (Designer)
Technical Design: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist), Chris Padow (Designer), Alex Kaufman (Designer)
Fabrication Team: George Retkes, Tyler Houston, TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Mark Aeling
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Carrie Jadus
Technical Design: Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos:
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: TBD
Technical Design: TBD, Chris Padow (Designer)
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos:
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: TBD
Technical Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos:
Concept: Christopher Still
Design: Christopher Still, Mark Aeling
Technical Design: Mark Aeling
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: TBD
Photos:
Concept: Carrie Jadus
Design: Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling
Technical Design: Mark Aeling
Fabrication Team: Chris Padow, George Retkes, Ryan Michel, Tina Piracci, Charlotte Chieco, Harold Hood
Admin: Mark Aeling
Photos: Mike Rixon
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: TBD
Technical Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling
Photos:
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos:
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling
Technical Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: Mark Aeling, Chris Padow, Salvadore St. Germain
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Mike Rixon
Concept: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Design: Mark Aeling
Fabrication Team: Mark Aeling, Chris Padow, Salvador Saint Germain
Admin: Mark Aeling (Lead Artist)
Photos: Mike Rixon
Concept: TBD
Design: TBD
Technical Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: TBD
Photos:
Concept: TBD
Design: TBD
Technical Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: TBD
Photos:
Legends Plazas
In 2004 and 2007, working with Art Director Jane McNeely of Jane Designs, MGA was commissioned to create a series of 31 iconic sculptures, many of them monumental, for Legends Plazas in Reno, NV and Kansas City, KS, two linear shopping plazas with large collections of commissioned art. Work began for Kansas City in 2004, and Reno in 2007, completing each within two years. Sculptures were fabricated in materials ranging from cast iron to bronze to stainless steel to fiberglass and had individual budgets from $2,000 to $225,000. Highlights include Cut Throat Trout (Budget $160,000) and Pony Express (Budget $225,000), which anchor opposite entrances to the Reno Plaza. MGA received over $750,000 for its work at Legends Reno alone.
Concept: TBD
Design: TBD
Fabrication Team: TBD
Admin: TBD
Photos:
Concept: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Design: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Technical Design: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Fabrication Team: Mark Aeling, Nick Macyshyn, Troy Vines
Admin: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Photos: Kate Coudayre
Concept: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Design: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Technical Design: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Fabrication Team: Mark Aeling, Christopher Padow, Jameson Cash, Troy Vines
Admin: Jane McNeely, Mark Aeling
Photos: Kate Coudayre
Concept: Mark Aeling, Kevin Garber
Design: Mark Aeling, Kevin Garber
Technical Design: Mark Aeling, Kevin Garber
Fabrication Team: Mark Aeling, Kevin Garber
Admin: Mark Aeling, Kevin Garber
Photos: Mark Aeling
