The chill of a Winnipeg winter is no match for the warmth and creativity of Sage Creek’s community spirit. Inspired by our ongoing partnership with Festival du Voyageur, Qualico Communities is thrilled to continue its tradition of celebrating winter through art.
This year, we’re excited to unveil not just one but two breathtaking snow sculptures in Sage Creek. The first brings a beloved pop culture icon to life—Grogu from The Mandalorian. The second, Marsh Guard, is a stunning nature-inspired piece featuring a red-winged blackbird among the cattails, honouring Manitoba’s marshlands.
Both sculptures were crafted by talented local artists David MacNair, Gary Tessier and Jacques Boulet, whose expertise transforms blocks of snow into mesmerizing works of art.
Owen and Oliver, Grade 4 students.
Sculpting Grogu: A Creative Process
The concept for the Grogu sculpture was created by Owen and Oliver, Grade 4 students in Kirsten Mangin’s class at École Sage Creek School. Their design was selected through a creative collaboration with MacNair, Tessier and Boulet, making this project a true community effort.
The journey from concept to creation is an inspiring one. The students began by sketching their ideas on grid paper, learning about perspective and dimensions. Under the guidance of the artists, they also experimented with creating small-scale sculptures using plasticine.
On the day of their visit, MacNair and Tessier worked with two classrooms: Kirsten Mangin’s Grade 4 class and Lesley Girling and Meagan Trowell’s Grade 3 class. Students in both classes had the chance to apply sculpting techniques and explore their creativity.
“It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm and imagination the students bring to the process,” says MacNair. “Their ideas are fresh and full of life, which is what makes this collaboration so special.”
Once a design was selected, MacNair, Tessier and Boulet worked together to plan the large-scale sculpture, using their expertise to adapt Owen and Oliver’s vision to the unique medium of snow.
“Sculpting snow is about removing what doesn’t belong, much like traditional sculpting,” explains MacNair. “Each block is a blank canvas, and we work layer by layer to reveal the final design.”
On average, a large snow sculpture requires 24 to 80 hours of labour, from shovelling snow to polishing the final details. It’s a testament to the dedication and skill of the artists, who bring their passion to each project despite the freezing temperatures.
Marsh Guard.
Sage Creek’s Winter Art Scene
While Grogu delights fans of The Mandalorian, Marsh Guard adds another layer of artistic expression to Sage Creek’s winter landscape. Sculpted along Lagimodière Boulevard and Abinojii Mikanah, this piece highlights the beauty of Manitoba’s natural environment and reinforces the deep connection between art and nature.
Both sculptures celebrate the creativity and collaboration that define Sage Creek’s community spirit, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the magic of winter in a unique way.
David MacNair, Gary Tessier and Jacques Boulet.
See the Sculptures Before They Melt!
The Grogu snow sculpture is located at the corner of Warde Avenue and Lagimodière Boulevard near Sage Creek’s entrance, while Marsh Guard can be found along Lagimodière Boulevard and Abinojii Mikanah.
With two incredible snow sculptures on display, Sage Creek continues to be a must-visit destination for winter art lovers this season. Be sure to bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and visit these stunning pieces of winter art before they melt with the spring thaw.
Whether you’re a fan of The Mandalorian or simply appreciate the artistry of snow sculptures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re proud to support local artists, celebrate student creativity, and bring the community together for another unforgettable winter experience.
Watch the snow sculpting workshops here:
