Artist Showcases K'nex Replica of Mackinac Bridge
The 30-foot sculpture recently featured in the ArtPrize exhibition is now on display in the Tri-Cities.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Fine Art
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Artist James Derck has brought his massive sculpture of the Mackinac Bridge to the Tri-Cities. The intricate piece is constructed entirely out of K'nex building toys.
Why it matters
The sculpture represents a unique blend of engineering and artistic expression using common building materials to recreate a Michigan landmark.
The sculpture measures nearly 30 feet in length and utilizes exactly 21,009 individual K'nex pieces. It was previously one of over 1,000 entries showcased during the 2026 ArtPrize exhibition.
The players
James Derck
James Derck is an artist from Grand Haven who is known for his large-scale structural recreations using toy building pieces.
The details
Artist James Derck created the sculpture as a detailed replica of the famous Mackinac Bridge. The entire structure is built using only K'nex pieces to mimic the architectural design of the bridge.
Timeline
The 2026 ArtPrize competition and exhibition took place earlier this year.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows the public exposure model set by the ArtPrize exhibition in Grand Rapids, which serves as a major platform for independent artists. Such installations highlight the growing trend of utilizing non-traditional materials to engage audiences in regional art circuits.
Local residents can view the sculpture now that it has been moved to the Tri-Cities area following its time in Grand Rapids. The piece offers an accessible way for the public to experience large-scale art constructed from familiar building materials.
The takeaway
Using common building toys for complex art pieces demonstrates how creative engineering can transform simple components into significant cultural displays. Readers looking to start their own projects might consider the impact of scale when working with modular building sets.
Further reading
Learn more about local creative projects in our Fine Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Haven Tribune.
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