A SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION IN CHICAGO
Fran Volz
"From snow to bronze."
A cartoon Smurf (left) started it all. In January 1987, Fran went outside to build a snowman; and shaped it into a Smurf. Passers-by honked their horns and gave the thumbs up. Intrigued by the reaction he next built William Perry sitting on a giant snow refrigerator. The response was the same. Every winter thereafter he has entertained people by sculpting 4 or 5 snow statues in front of his house.
Meanwhile, during the rest of the year he tried his hand at more permanent materials, like plaster, wood and fiberglass. (Pegasus at left). Eventually he came across a professional sculptor who taught him the bronzing process.This added a more marketable dimension. (See Statue at right.) His personal website demonstrates his flexibility.
William Dunton- Founder of Arlington Heights, Illinois
Continuing with the snow sculptures in winter, Fran entered the Illinois State Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford. He competed a couple of times, but wished there was an event like this closer to Chicago. Because other than the snow pieces at his home in Arlington Heights, no one in the Chicago area knew of snow sculpting. He contacted the National Snow Organization, but they were satisfied with the Rockford location. Undaunted, Fran decided to form his own competition, and this is how Snow Visions, Inc. was formed.
Now with his partners John Brankin, and Deneen Babin, all of Chicagoland can enjoy the fun!
Here are some other well-known pieces by Fran.....
