By Chelsey St-Pierre

Kirkland artist Shufeng Zhang makes the most out of each snowfall to carve impressive snow sculptures on his property every year. This year, the City of Kirkland offered a new “canvas” for Zhang to carve a snow sculpture in Meades park. Zhang accepted the challenge saying it is “an honour”.

Zhang first made headlines during the Covid-lockdown, three years ago when he created multiple frozen sculptures in his yard located at {span}293 André-Brunet Street {/span}that instantly won the admiration of neighbours, pedestrians and persons driving by. Soon he began attracting visitors to the area with the sole purpose of viewing the unique sculptures.

For Zhang, his works of art were a personal project that gained more attention than he had expected. “Neighbours and friends noticed, then media and it was broadcast on television,” Zhang told The Suburban. “I did not think about that before.”

Using a mold, Zhang and his spouse build up the sculpture bases in snow blocks. He then carves the blocks and completes the detailing before adding colour or props if applicable to his design.

“So many people look forward to my snow sculptures. I had do it again,” Zhang said.

The pike-wielding army general was Zhang’s first sculpture during the pandemic “for protection” he said. Due to its popularity, Zhang brought the general back to life again this year.

Zhang strives on improving his works each year. The sculptures keep getting bigger and bigger, gaining added detail as new and old designs are recreated each winter. n