ABOUT
Heritage & Process
Our History
Monti Ackerman Sculpture traces its roots back to 1915, when Ryan Ackerman’s great-grandfather, an Italian immigrant, founded the family business in Quincy, Massachusetts— named the “Granite City” famed for its granite quarries. Over four generations, Monti Ackerman Sculpture has maintained its commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and durability, producing monumental sculptures, fountains, and custom fire features for discerning municipal, university, and private clients.
Some of the company’s iconic work can be seen throughout New England, from the imposing 20-foot granite eagles perched on the Boston Customs House Tower to the Bauhaus-inspired Block Fountain on Commonwealth Avenue near Fenway Park.
About Ryan
Ryan Ackerman, a fourth-generation granite sculptor, began working at the family’s monument company, A. Monti Granite, at just 12 years old. Under the mentorship of his grandfather, the late Edward P. Monti, Ryan developed an extensive knowledge of granite finishes and honed his craft to master a range of techniques, from hand-splitting with the feather and wedge to advanced sandblasting, thermal, and polishing methods.
Known for his artistry in blending cutting-edge design with traditional sculpting methods, Ryan has pioneered a new approach to granite work, applying diverse finishes to create hyper-realistic installations, including a quarry torch made to melt stone.
Today, he leads Monti Ackerman Sculpture with a deep respect for his family's legacy and a forward-thinking vision, crafting large-scale public sculptures, water features, and fire pits that both transform and endure.
Photo by: Courtney H. Cargill
Our Process
At Monti Ackerman Sculpture, every project begins with a vision: You dream it. We carve it. Our process is rooted in the belief that great design can enhance lives and create lasting impact. Each project begins with a thorough examination of its context, ensuring that our design solutions are fitting, intentional, and impactful.
From concept to completion, our team combines expertise and artistry to deliver powerful, timeless pieces that celebrate the enduring beauty of stone and the legacy of craftsmanship.
Step 1: Selection of Timeless Natural Beauty
Every piece of granite we use is meticulously hand-picked from New England’s remaining quarries - or sourced through our wide network of reclaimed granite suppliers - and selected for its quality, size, and natural form.
We consider not only the immediate beauty but the endurance of each piece, ensuring every creation withstands the test of time, over decades and centuries.
Our method minimizes the need for mortar and joints, creating seamless installations that require minimal maintenance ensuring a legacy of lasting beauty.
We begin with massive hand-picked boulders.
Unmatched precision & artistry through ancient techniques & cutting-edge tools.
Step 2: Innovation Meets Heritage
We fuse ancient methods, like feather and wedge splitting, with advanced modern tools, including diamond contour saws and our proprietary liquid oxygen-powered quarry torches with a 6,000-degree flame, to redefine granite sculpting.
We partner with industry and technology leaders to leverage cutting-edge CNC and water jetting capabilities, embracing advancements in technology to enhance precision, efficiency, and innovation in every project we undertake.
We push boundaries beyond traditional stonework, incorporating stainless steel hardware, fountain & fire features, as well as the latest in smart technology, including smartphone-controlled features, to craft pieces that are interactive and built to last.
We create functional art that fits seamlessly into modern spaces, designed with future generations in mind.
We integrate modern engineering & smart technology.
Step 3: Engineering for the Future
Each piece is meticulously placed to become a lasting presence.
Step 4: Final Installation & Finishing Touches
Our team oversees every aspect of the installation, delivering a final product that reflects enduring quality, durability, and elegance.
Monti Ackerman’s work is not just art—it’s an experience. Built to captivate and endure, each installation speaks to our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation for generations to come.
Explore Our Studio
Lennie Peterson (Artist/Illustrator/Musician)
Ryan's work achieves a perfect blend of artisan skill and aesthetics-craftsmanship meets Art meets innovation. He is somehow able to translate original, uniquely creative concepts into final results with a universal appeal. This is not an easy accomplishment in any of the Arts disciplines and Ryan pulls it off with the skill of a master.
Colin Casper, D. Schumacher Landscape Artisans
From the start of initial design, through the fabrication process, and final delivery stages; Ryan's work was top-notch and communication very thorough. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.
Mayor Thomas P. Koch, City of Quincy, Massachusetts
Mr. Ackerman and the Monti family are well-known and greatly respected throughout Greater Boston and across the country for their stone-cutting and sculpting talents.
Greg Limerick, Boston University Grounds Manager
Monti Ackerman has been a long term supplier for Boston University. Creating and maintaining beautiful granite statuary and fountains. Ryan Akerman is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the industry and he’s artistically gifted.
FAQs
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We specialize in granite, bronze, and other durable materials, offering custom designs for sculptures, monuments, fountains, and large-scale public art projects. Our expertise includes shaping monolithic blocks and using cutting-edge tools like our proprietary quarry torch for precision and durability.
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Absolutely! We excel at working closely with communities and committees to ensure every project reflects shared values and visions. Our team’s experience with diverse groups, including fluency in Spanish, allows us to build strong relationships and deliver meaningful, inclusive results.
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Our fabrication methods almost always incorporate large monolithic blocks. This eliminates the need for the typical mortar joint, which will fail over time. Combined with our proprietary quarry torch (we carve out the blocks with this), this approach ensures enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, and a timeless quality appearance, saving costs for our partners in the long run.
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The commissioning process typically starts with an initial consultation to understand your vision, site needs, and budget. From there, we move through design development, material selection, fabrication, and installation, keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way.
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Everything we create is fully custom, so costs vary depending on the scope of work and the amount of material used. Firepits, for instance, start at a base cost of around $6,000, with most projects coming in closer to $10,000. Check out our Fire Pit Builder module for more info. Fountains range from 3 to 75 feet long, costing anywhere from a thousand dollars to well into six figures. Sculptures, however, are tougher to estimate as they often involve intricate designs, unique concepts, and varying material needs. Contact us for a quick and hassle-free ballpark estimate tailored to your project!
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