Photographs courtesy of Justin Barnhurst Erin Taylor Editions
A Legend Immortalized
There are moments when art, history, and community come together to create something truly unforgettable. American Fine Arts Foundry is honored to have played a key role in one such moment—the unveiling of the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Minnesota Twins icon Joe Mauer, now standing proudly outside Gate 34 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Renowned sculptor Bill Mack, a longtime collaborator and client of American Fine Arts, is the visionary artist behind this striking tribute. Known for his exceptional work on all of the Minnesota Twins bronze statues that grace Target Field, Mack once again brought his signature artistry, emotional sensitivity, and attention to detail to the task of capturing the spirit of one of baseball’s most beloved players.
The bronze statue was officially revealed in a heartfelt ceremony attended by Joe Mauer and his family—including his wife Maddie and their children Marin, Emily, and Chip, who had the honor of unveiling the piece. Friends, former teammates, and Twins alumni gathered alongside fans who traveled from near and far to witness this meaningful dedication. Justin Morneau, Mauer’s former roommate, teammate, and lifelong friend, shared moving reflections on Mauer’s career and character, while Cory Provus emceed the event with warmth and grace.
The Art of Commemoration: AFA’s Role in Bringing the Vision to Life
At American Fine Arts Foundry, we take great pride in being more than just a foundry—we are artistic partners committed to honoring the creative vision of the sculptors we work with. For the Joe Mauer project, our expert team collaborated closely with Bill Mack throughout every phase of the casting and production process, ensuring that every nuance, expression, and gesture was faithfully rendered in bronze.
From the initial clay model to the final patina, AFA’s artisans approached this work with the care, precision, and craftsmanship that have defined our reputation for decades. Producing monumental sculptures of this scale demands technical mastery, engineering expertise, and a deep respect for the artist’s intent—all of which were brought to bear on this project.
The result is a sculpture that not only immortalizes Joe Mauer’s legacy but also serves as a lasting symbol of Minnesota pride and baseball history.
A Legacy Cast in Bronze
Public art has the unique power to connect generations, tell stories, and evoke emotion. The Joe Mauer statue now stands alongside those of Kirby Puckett and other Twins greats, forming a bronze pantheon that celebrates the heart and soul of Minnesota baseball.
It has been a privilege for American Fine Arts Foundry to contribute to this legacy, supporting Bill Mack’s creative vision with the highest level of technical execution and artistic care. Together, we have helped shape a piece of history that will inspire fans for decades to come.
For more on our foundry services and collaborative approach to monumental sculpture, visit AFAFoundry.com.
