Miss Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Client: World Dairy Expo
Completion: 2016
Material: Dakota Mahogany Granite
Overview
Fabrication Process
The project began with a 47,000-pound block of Dakota Mahogany Granite, quarried for its strength, fine grain, and warm tonal range. Using a fully integrated digital fabrication process, Quarra removed approximately 85% of the material mass to achieve the final form.
Primary shaping was completed through robotic milling, employing Quarra’s 7-axis robotic system — a 6-axis KUKA KR500 coupled with a 30-ton rotary table — along with 34” and 24” granite blades for roughing and pre-finishing. Custom milling tools were used to refine complex surface geometries, ensuring accuracy and surface integrity.
Following the digital phase, Quarra’s master carvers and artisans meticulously hand-finished Miss Madison. The team referenced 3D-printed scale models during the process to maintain precise proportions, remove tool marks, and bring subtle organic detail to the granite surface.
Finishing & Installation
After final honing and polishing, Miss Madison was transported and installed at New Holland Pavilion 1 at the Alliant Energy Center — unveiled in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo’s milestone anniversary celebration.
This project exemplifies Quarra’s integrated approach — uniting advanced robotic milling with traditional hand-carving expertise — and highlights the firm’s ability to execute large-scale sculptural works with both technical precision and artistic sensitivity
