‘You’re never too old to keep building.’ Meet the adults who create Lego masterpieces
The Indian Creek Library in Olathe was filled with expert builders on a recent winter day.
Lego enthusiasts who are part of KC Brick Lab, a social group for folks who enjoy building with the plastic bricks, gathered to show off a range of work, including celebrity portraits and a Kansas City skyline. Various members displayed their personal Lego creations, and the group also showcased a few collaborative efforts during the event, held Feb. 24 and 25.
Included in the latter collection was a representation of part of the Kansas City skyline, featuring the Western Auto sign, as well as streets decorated with local businesses such as Joe’s Kansas City and Gates BBQ.
Nearby was an ice festival, complete with a plastic skating rink, that was part of the group’s annual holiday display at Union Station this year.
It was Lenexa resident Jason Sachan’s first outing as part of the group. He brought along his representation of the Inn of the Last Home from the “Dragonlance” book series. The structure, which resembles an enormous tree with interior rooms, took him three years to build.
Although he loved Lego bricks as a kid, like many adults, the blocks were forgotten. He found inspiration in the “Lego Masters” TV show.
“I don’t have a lot of time to build, and it was a lot of trial and error,” Sachan said about embarking on his project.
When looking for ways to display it, he joined KC Brick Lab, attending his first meeting last month. Almost immediately, people were lending him pieces to help him finish his project.
By contrast, Alex Dehan, of Independence, is a veteran of the group with 10 years of membership. He likes to work on Lego sculptures with his mom, who’s also an aficionado.
“It’s a really fun way to relax and make artwork,” he said.
At the library, he was showing a lenticular sculpture that displays two designs by using pieces that jut out at a 45-degree angle. From one side, visitors could see the Royals’ logo. The other side showed one for the Chiefs.
Dehan and others use computer programs to help map out their designs, though he makes adjustments from that design to make it work right.
He encourages any adult Lego fans to come join the group.
“We’re always looking for new people. More numbers just means a better display for the public. You’re never too old to keep building,” he said.
Corey Fuiks of Shawnee makes portraits of famous people, such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
“Everyone really loved Mahomes. I’m a little more attached to Travis,” she said.
Like Dehan, she uses computer programs to help plan her design. “But at a certain point, it’s up to the artist to choose things for fidelity or clarity,” Fuiks said.
Fuiks moved to the area three years ago and joined KC Brick Lab as a way of meeting people, calling it “a great little community.”
Jake McMahon of Kansas City is a member of the group but came to the event as a spectator with his wife and daughters.
“I’m a huge Lego nerd. It’s one of my most relaxing things to do. If I get my girls to build with me, that’s my favorite thing,” McMahon said. “It’s unbelievably creative. It’s amazing what people can make with Lego bricks.”
Although the big displays were for show and not interactive, several tables allowed kids to get creative with their own Lego structures.
Attendee Josh Lockrow brought his daughters, Amelia and Ada, to the event to help them get ideas of how to have fun with the bricks, “especially building things without instructions,” he said.
