Overview
Smash Design partnered with Freeman and Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 to build large-scale sculptures reimagining the Statue of Liberty as a sports superstar rather than the traditional landmark — one sculpture featuring a dramatic baseball home run catch, the other a WWE championship celebration. Both pieces served as artistic centerpieces and interactive photo opportunities for thousands of attendees.
Process
We started with detailed concept illustrations to define the pose, proportions, and overall look of each sculpture, then built precise 3D CAD models to refine details like the crown, robes, and sports elements before anything got fabricated. Each sculpture was carved from high-density foam using CNC machines, which let us hit strong detail while keeping the structures manageable in weight, then assembled in sections for safe transport and structural support.
Finishing ran in stages too: sanding each surface smooth, applying a protective hardcoat for durability, then hand-painting with custom-mixed finishes to achieve the classic oxidized-copper look alongside bold sports-specific details. Our team handled logistics and installation on-site in New York City, positioning each sculpture for maximum visibility and crowd interaction.
Results
The finished sculptures became standout attractions at Fanatics Fest NYC, drawing fans who lined up for photos and shared them widely online — engagement that extended the activation’s reach well beyond the physical event. It’s a good example of how a recognizable, iconic image can be reimagined into something people actually want to stop for and interact with.
