Giant Dumbo snow sculpture takes over Winnipeg yard
A little bit of Disney magic combined with some Winnipeg whimsy now graces the lawn of a city home.
It comes in the form of a Dumbo snow sculpture and the talented work of two local carvers.
“He looks good in white,” said Madeleine Vrignon who created the piece along with Gary Tessier.
The piece is one in a series of snow sculptures that have appeared on the front yard of Gail Asper’s house since 2006.
Over the years they have ranged from characters like Oscar the Grouch and Spongebob Squarepants to the whole Simpsons crew on a couch. The sculptures must both be recognizable and fun to people.
“Last year we did Winnie the Pooh cause I’m a big Winnie the Pooh fan and I’m very proud of his roots to Winnipeg and it was a huge hit,” said Asper.
Asper said Dumbo decision was made in collaboration with both Vrignon and Tessier, who let the size of the snow block help guide who will appear.
A lack humidity in the snow block this year has proven challenging to the carvers because it makes the snow soft and delicate. This results in having to make less aggressive cuts and working progressively into the block to preserve the shape.
Another challenge was the sculpture’s height. Vrignon said once you get up on top it is OK, but she leaves the up and downs to Tessier.
All told they estimate it took them about 30 hours and five days days to complete, with a necessary wintery weather break in between.
“It’s just a question of getting up off the couch when it’s really cold and moving despite the winter,” said Vrignon.
“I just love it when families come by and they want to take their pictures and marvel at how incredibly lifelike it is,” said Asper.
As for next year Asper said the inspiration depends on what is popular, but don’t count out the classics either.
One thing is guaranteed. It has to be big.
“So that if you have a melt, and some years it can go to five or six degrees above, and suddenly you’re going to lose your sculpture,” Asper said.
“It brightens up the neighbourhood and we’re glad cause it lasts a couple of months,” Tessier said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.