The Sculptor's Classic

The Event

       As the organizer of the Chicago Snow Sculpting competition Volz is able to draw 60,000 people in one weekend, to admire ten foot tall statues carved in snow.

(See website: www.SnowVisions.com )

However these statues melt away within a week or two. So he is introducing a new concept to the Art World-- a similar competition using dense carving foam. To our knowledge this is so unique, no one in the United States, or even the world has ever sponsored such a championship. Initially we are proposing 10-15 sculptures.

     A few years ago there was a very successful event in Chicago called “Cows On Parade.” Artists painted 3½ foot tall fiberglass cow statues. They were a big hit for the 5 million residents of Chicago. And exposure by the News Media was incredible! Promotional calendars and glossy albums of the cows were sold.

      In contrast to the cows each one of these foam sculptures is original and ten feet tall or more. They can be displayed indoors or out.

Competition: Since this is a competition, the public gets to vote for the best sculpture-making it an interactive event. There will be an award ceremony with trophies and press coverage.

The sculptors: There are approximately 40 sculptors waiting to participate in this first ever event. It offers them fantastic exposure in the Chicago area that many of them who come from small towns would never have. Any of these sculptures can be bronzed. So if the CEO of a company wanted one of the foam sculptures converted into bronze, this can be done. And the original returned. The sculptors can also display other works for sale or commission at the mall.

Details

     Once the funds are secured, the foam is purchased and delivered to the sculptors studios or homes. They will have eight months to carve their piece. We ask that the sculptors paint their statue white. This is so the focus is on the purity of the sculpting (form, shape, proportion, symmetry, etc.) and not distracted by color.

      We then pick them up with a semi-truck and bring them to the display location. Once the public has a chance to vote over a number of weeks,  an award ceremony is held. The media will also be contacted.

     Volz is hoping the event will catch on and lead to national exposure.

     Unlike bronze or other materials, foam has its advantages. An eagle with a twenty foot wingspan could be suspended from the ceiling. The sculptors have much greater flexibility in using their imagination for fantasy sculptures.

Physically, the foam statues will be relatively lightweight. At ten feet tall, they weigh roughly 500 lbs. They can also be placed outdoors, and will hold up to the elements of wind and rain. If needed, they will be anchored in place.

Photo courtesy of imagesbysherri.com