Project that turned Tucsonans into tiny green Army men goes global

A project started by two local artists to turn everyday Tucsonans into tiny green Army men figures has gone global.

The latest iteration of the initiative by Rudy Flores and Teresa Estrella showcases people from around the world and is on display now at Tucson’s Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive.

Dubbed “Tiny Tributes,” the exhibition will spotlight a new selection of 3-D printed figures who have taken part in the project, with new figurines being rotated in each summer going forward.

First launched in 2015 and backed by a crowdfunding effort, the artists scanned Tucsonans, who were encouraged to bring props and pose in ways that reflect their personalities, turning them into 3-D printed figures and recorded their stories along the way.

Estrella and Flores have expanded their focus beyond the Old Pueblo “to gather the stories of a community collective without borders,” according to a museum news release.

Despite the broader scope, the “Tiny Tributes” exhibition has a number of Tucsonans, including families, local artists, educators, medical professionals, musicians, comedians and even a famous actor, Jon Proudstar — a Tucson native.

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If you’d like to be considered to have a 3-D printed Tiny Tribute made in your likeness and included in an upcoming exhibition, fill out an application at tucne.ws/1q8b. The scans are done in a Tucson studio. Donations to cover the materials and time for the scan are encouraged.

If you’d like to receive a personal copy of your figurine, you can book a personal scanning session for $100.

View a list of participants on display now or learn more at tucne.ws/1q8c.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students with ID and military; and $8 for children ages 4 to 17.