KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Two giant-sized snow walruses welcome passersby near Apple Hill; their artist hoping they might provide a bit of a smile while the world around continues to be filled with economic worries and political unrest. Allan Jensen began sculpting larger-than-life snow sculptures over 30 years ago, when his three-year-old daughter asked him to make a snow bear. Unknown to Jensen, his creation was entered in that year’s Apple Hill Winter Carnival. He won first place.
Over the years, when the snow is just right, Jensen makes a giant winter animal, usually a polar bear, a walrus or the infamous Olaf, from the movie “Frozen.” He thinks there have been ten sculptures over the 30-plus years. This year’s request came from Allan’s 7-year-old grandson, Malcom, who spent over eight hours himself, helping his grandfather create the walruses.
Jensen begins his sculptures by making a pile of snow. He waits for inspiration, then begins to shape his medium, just like any artist. This year’s walruses stand about 12 feet tall, proudly guarding the driveway. A male has tusks and the female walrus wears a flower and has long eyelashes. His creativity is amazing, carving and painting wood for the tusks, tennis balls for eyes and cutting leather strips to serve as the she-walrus’ eyelashes. Jensen loves spending time with his grandchildren, evident by the fantastic tree house in his backyard he and his neighbour, Bert McLennan, built for the kids. Making the snow sculpture provided the perfect opportunity to work side-by-side with his grandson, Mac. Jensen works full-time as a Senior Emergency Management Coordinator and is also District Chief of North Glengarry Fire Station 2 in Apple Hill, a volunteer position. His schedule is busy, but he takes the time to give back to his community in many ways, one of which is the giant snow sculptures – even allowing strangers to park in his driveway so they can safely get a good view of the winter visitors. Allan Jensen and his grandson Mac’s creativity have made the long, grey winter a whole lot brighter.
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