Kenora Winter Carnival

Where and when does the competition take place?

What is the theme?

The Canadian Wilderness, or Canadian Boreal Forest is approximately 3.9 million square kilometers and the largest intact forest on earth. It is known for its vast landscapes, rich biodiversity and is home to many plant and animal species that are unique to Canada.

Sculptors are challenged to create a piece that represents their interpretation of the theme “Canadian Wilderness.”

What is the cost to enter, who can apply and what are the selection criteria?

There is no fee to enter the competition. This year, there will only be a general division and a total of five teams collectively will be allowed to participate. In the event there are more than five applications for participation submitted, a selection committee will choose from the submissions based on the following criteria:

• the originality and appeal of the subject presented, with respect to this year’s theme
• the artistic quality and physical appearance of the proposed sculpture

Each team must submit the completed application form. The deadline is February 8, 2024. Applications can be submitted via email to Tourism Kenora or dropped off at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, 931 Lakeview Drive, open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proposed sculptures that are deemed to contain visuals or themes that are degrading, dehumanizing or that otherwise diminish the dignity of any participant will not be eligible. This may include, but may not be limited to, material that is sexually exploitive, excessively violent, or that denigrates any individual or any group identifiable by race, religion, and gender or sexual orientation.

How many sculptors are permitted per team?

Four participants are allowed per team in the general division.

What size are the snow blocks?

Each block of snow is 2.4 m wide x 2.4 m high x 2.4 m high (8 ft. wide x 8 ft. high x 8 ft. deep). Since visitors  to the site will have access to mostly the front and two sides of the sculptures, three sides of the block of snow must be carved. Each sculpture may be expanded within a reasonable distance around the snow block.

How much time will teams have to work on their sculptures?

Each team will be allowed to work on its sculpture each day, beginning February 9, 2024 (subject to change). At least one member from each team will receive an email prior to opening of competition where they will receive assigned block and important information.

What equipment can be used?

Sculptors must provide their own tools and equipment. Tools permitted, but not limited to:

• axes
• machetes
• hand saws
• shovels
• ice chisels
• spray bottles
• homemade scraping tools
• power tools

Please ensure your space is kept in a safe and tidy manner at all times.

Are there a prizes?

There will be a $200 honorarium for each completed sculpture and a top prize of $500 for the winning sculpture.

How will the judging be done?

The jury evaluation will be based on a total score of 60 points, using the following criteria, awarding 10 points each:

• Precision: How accurately and precisely are the elements of the sculpture carved?  Are there any fine details, shadows, angles? How thoroughly is waste snow removed from the block? 
• Degree of difficulty: As a completed piece, does the sculpture represent a challenging project for a snow sculptor? Are there any extreme vertical areas, arches, undercuts, movements? 
• Considerations will include the fragility and physical balance conveyed, and the structural limitations of the snow.
• Use of snow: Has the snow been challenged to its maximum limits, i.e., is there maximum use of positive and negative forms? Is there a fine balance between positive and negative space (positive being the snow, and negative being areas where the snow is removed).
• Creativity: Has the theme been conveyed in an original and interesting manner? 
• Composition: Are the various elements of the sculpture visually balanced? Do they “flow” or “blend” well into one another? The sculpture will be viewed from all angles when determining the scores for this component. 
• Compliance: Does the finished piece comply with the written description submitted?