THUNDER BAY – With temperatures near zero, conditions weren’t quite ideal for snow sculpting – but that didn’t bother the dozens of children huddled around snow blocks at Marina Park Sunday afternoon. The chance to try out the art form was the latest activity in the city’s free Winter FunDays series.
Willow Springs Creative Centre led families through the sculpting. Though it’s a less familiar art form for many, centre coordinator Judy Vinni says it’s for everyone.
“You all have made a snowman, so you’ve been snow sculpting,” she says. “People talk about how they aren’t artists, they can’t draw anything. But as soon as they start to work, everyone’s creative – you just have to find your medium. Snow is forgiving, you can do anything with it.”
From large blocks, participants sculpted animal figures playing various sports, in tribute to Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, which take place in Thunder Bay at the end of February. The centrepiece was a large “I heart Tbay” sculpture.
Paige Johnson and her two children were hard at work on a snowflake sculpture. She said the activity was a great way to engage the whole family.
“It’s fun to do something that you’ve never done before,” she explains, “because you’re learning with the kids.”
Vinni also coordinated a beginners class for adults on Saturday. The activities come in advance of the city’s snow sculpture competition later this month. The event draws local artist teams, including Willow Springs, and some from outside the city.
Residents are invited to view those sculptures at Thunder Bay’s “SnowDay on the Waterfront” on Family Day, Feb. 17. The event includes a number of other activities, including ice slides, ice fishing, a skating party, snowshoeing, musical performances, food, and much more.
