A blizzard can bring a city to a halt. Subways get delayed or canceled, sidewalks become slippery hazards, and residents complain about the slush. But after a massive snowstorm dumped nearly 60 centimeters of snow on New York City and surrounding areas in late February, people in Brooklyn found a creative way to enjoy the historic snowfall: they headed to the park to sculpt.
At Maria Hernandez Park in the Bushwick neighborhood, snow sculptures quickly filled the open space. One comedian and her friends built a snow woman they jokingly named “Snow Ma’am Eve,” complete with a dramatic skirt and chiseled arms. Nearby groups created figures inspired by Hello Kitty and Totoro, along with a snow lizard and several other imaginative designs. Some builders even placed small labels beside their creations, turning the park into a kind of outdoor snow museum.
The gathering quickly became a social event. Strangers introduced themselves, took photos for one another, and exchanged Instagram handles. As more people joined, new sculptures appeared and conversations spread across the park. Some visitors even invited others to a DJ set, a stand-up comedy show, and an “igloo hangout” planned later that day. Artists also joined the fun. An illustrator in Bushwick created a snow puppy named “Bushy” after the neighborhood, while an ice sculptor in nearby Fort Greene carved the viral Japanese monkey Punch swaddled by his mother.
The artwork was temporary. Warmer weather would soon melt the sculptures. But for a few winter hours, Brooklyn’s snowy park became a community gallery anyone could help build.
May For The Teen Times teen/1774255567/1613367697
1. Which Brooklyn park became a snow sculpture museum?
2. How much snow fell during the February blizzard?
3. What humorous name was given to a snow sculpture?
4. Why did the sculptures exist only briefly?
1. Why do creative events strengthen community connections?
2. What creative activity would you try after snowfall?
3. Why do people enjoy temporary outdoor art?
4. How can public parks support community creativity?
A blizzard can bring a city to a halt. Subways get delayed or canceled, sidewalks become slippery hazards, and residents complain about the slush. But after a massive snowstorm dumped nearly 60 centimeters of snow on New York City and surrounding areas in late February, people in Brooklyn found a creative way to enjoy the historic snowfall: they headed to the park to sculpt.
