Team builds snow sculpture
Anna Lee Harris working her way to bring a pile of snow into a work of art. Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS
BONNERS FERRY — With the large amount of snowfall recently, snow has accumulated in large piles around Bonners Ferry. The pile of snow in front of the old Armory building however, is a little different as it will be transformed into a snow sculpture.
Anna Lee Harris founded the first Bonners Ferry Snow Sculpting Team about 30 years ago after moving from Montana to Idaho and registering with the Idaho Commission of Arts. She received a query to all registered sculptors on behalf of the state sanctioned Snow Sculpting competition in McCall, Idaho.
Harris began her sculpting adventures in her teens after her dad gave her a rotary tool. She then adventured going beyond two dimensional art by sculpting antlers.
“Sculpting just ballooned from there,” said Harris.
Utilizing her passion and skills, Harris has continued to sculpt with various mediums like marble, granite, alabaster and antler. She also oil paints, and her work can be seen at the Groove Studio.
“My purpose in doing this sculpture is the pure joy of sculpting as large as possible, snow is a natural given medium and with the help of Boundary Tractor, Pro X, Boundary County for the site, and John Buckley for separating the pristine snow, it is possible,” said Harris.
Harris would like to continue bringing her artwork to the community in coming years, weather permitting. When the sculpture is complete, people can go and take photos with it.
“I would also like to thank the community for respecting the sculpture by leaving it alone. Please do not climb on it, as I would like to continue to gift the community with more,” said Harris.
In 2015, Harris and her team represented the USA as the only attending team from the country at the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, which is located in Manitoba, Canada. The festival boasts an array of activities including snow sculpting.
“Many wonderful members of the team have aided in the succession to International standing,” said Harris. “The aspect I am the most proud of is being chosen as the representative for the USA at the Winnipeg, Manitoba, winter festival.”
With experience and accomplishments, Harris continues to welcome people onto the team to learn and explore the arts of sculpting and continue to advance their artistic skills.
Residents and visitors will see the transformation of the mound of snow, from a pile to a work of art, throughout the week.