AUSTIN, Texas —
A group of Lego builders is not only getting to showcase their work this weekend, but some are also using an event as an opportunity to raise money for a cause.
The Brick Rodeo Lego Convention is happening this weekend in North Austin at the Renaissance Hotel. The show opens Friday and runs through July 7.
The convention provides a chance for people to see hundreds of different custom models and displays made from Lego bricks. These unique creations are made by fans who build Lego structures for fun. They make their models based on classic architecture, video game and movie scenes, town landscapes and whatever else inspires them.
Brick Rodeo Board Member Tim Howell said he has been a builder for the past 15 years and still sees new displays in these shows that he's never seen before.
This year, one builder is fundraising for "Fairy Bricks," an organization that puts Lego bricks in the hands of children in hospitals.
Another participant is raising money to help rebuild structures destroyed by the war in Ukraine.
"Lego products are universal. They're used all over the world, loved all over the world," Howell said. "Having people come out here and see what you can do with Lego bricks and then see beyond that, beyond just the playing, that there is that charity aspect, it's amazing."
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California-based Lego builder Mark Segedie recreated a Ukrainian castle. He partnered with the official fundraising platform of Ukraine, United24. The organization is raffling off some of Segedie's Lego kits, along with a few other creations.
Segedie and four other builders across the world recreated five total historic Ukrainian landmarks.
If you want to own any of Segedie's designs, you can donate to enter the raffle for a chance to win one of the limited kits to build your own.
Segedie said the funds for this project will go towards helping rebuild a school in Ukraine.
"My hope is that we will be able to rebuild that school. But also, I'm hoping that, you know, Lego kind of transcends all cultures. It transcends everywhere around the world and unites people," Segedie said. "And my hope is that, through this initiative, we can bring greater awareness to struggles in the world in general."
The piece on display at Brick Rodeo is a smaller prototype of his larger replica.
You can get tickets and find more information about the convention on its official website.