We defy gravity with joy.
Based in Belfast, NI and St Paul, MN, the international collaborative creates vibrant Public Art in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Paris. Recent commissions include “Cloud Horse,” the first Public Art roundabout for the state of South Dakota, and the upcoming “Sovereign,” a 14’ (H) x 8’ (W) bronze and glass figurative sculpture honoring the Seminole Tribe for the State of Florida.
The Milligan Studio believes that Public Art celebrates and remembers. It binds us to a place with beauty, and grace. Sometimes, it even gives us hope.
Working in bronze, stainless steel, kiln-formed architectural glass, sound, and light... we are Lyrical Alchemists. Because of our rich and varied backgrounds, the Studio’s work often honors the vibrancy of multi cultural communities working together.
Nicole Mary Milligan’s mother was from Senegal and stepfather was a member of Florida’s Seminole Tribe. Belfast born Alan Milligan was raised along the wild Irish Sea. Mohamed Mohamed is South African, speaks multiple languages and works as a part-time interpreter for fellow African immigrants. Our engineering consultant is Selinda Martinez from Rbhu.org the award-winning engineering firm.
Most recently we have begun a collaboration with Narcissus Quagliata, one of the world’s masters in glass. His Dome of Light: Wind, Fire, and Time (R) is the largest illuminated work of Public Art in glass in the world. (https://wwwnarcissusquagliata.com.)
We share each step of the commission on our website and often host events and workshops in person or via Zoom.
We also mentor First-Time Offenders, Parolees, and High Risk Youth at our studio. Working side by side, we create Public Art together.
We have seen Art change lives.
At the heart of the practice is a husband and wife partnership. Sculptor Alan Scott Milligan is well-known for the Samuel Beckett Chess Set, which was exhibited in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, France and throughout Europe. Historian and Visual Artist Dr. Nicole Mary Milligan, writing as N.M. Kelby, is also the critically acclaimed author of eight poetic novels including The Pink Suit (Little, Brown), White Truffles in Winter (W.W. Norton) and The New York Times bestseller In the Company of Angels. A Yaddo fellow, she has been translated into 21 languages worldwide.
Distinguished graduates from Bath Spa University, one of Europe’s premier Art Colleges, the two have received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Bush Foundation, PEN America, Jerome Foundation, both the Florida and Minnesota State Arts Board and are part of the Arts@MSP Artist Roster, facilitated by the Minnesota Airport Foundation.
We are interested in making beautiful objects that evoke a sense of belonging. We would be honored to work in collaboration with you to create a vibrant sculpture that illuminates the spirit of your community.
