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The huge 20-block Michigan First Credit Union
sponsored sculpture at the 2019 Plymouth Ice Festival
was also carved by champion Tajana Raukar of
Ice Dreams and drew crowds last year. |
Again this year, Tajana Raukar will be a big deal at the Plymouth Ice Festival.
Raukar, the owner of Ice Dreams Sculptures, will carve the largest ice sculpture in Kellogg Park sponsored by Michigan First Credit Union.
Raukar, a world champion, will carve 20 blocks of ice, each about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide into
the large work of art-exactly what she will be carving remained a secret at press time, but rumors indicated it would certainly have something to do with the Red Wings.
Raukar is used to working in subzero temperatures and keeps her studio in Plymouth at about 9 degrees so she can maintain the integrity of the ice while she works.
Professional carvers from Ice Dreams will be creating many of the sculptures seen in front of businesses and in the park during the festival this year.
The carvers will be busy for more than a week, getting ahead of the number of sculptures than need completed for the festival by working in the studio. The Michigan First Credit Union sculpture, however, will be completed in the park and early visitors can even watch Raukar at work Raukar first studied to be a chef when arriving in the U.S.
from her native Croatia. While learning
the fine points of cooking, she discovered how much she enjoyed the sculpting of small fruits and vegetables, and how good she was at it. Those beautiful little baskets made from lemons, flowers sculpted from tomatoes and watermelons led her to try her skill at ice carving and the rest, as they say, is history.
Raukar, like other champions, usually starts with a sketch and transfers her drawing to the ice block, but she would rather just take her chainsaw and let her imagination take over.
Raukar is an award-winning champion and has won competitions in Michigan, Ohio, and nearby states. She's won seven championships in Alaska, one for her 25-foot frozen giraffe. She also competes and has won international ice carving events.
Raukar said that
sculptures of the size commissioned by Michigan First Credit Union do present some unique
challenges but that her years of experience have provided her with techniques to ensure success. She and a team will start on the huge piece early in the week to be sure it is perfect for display Friday.
Michigan First is also the sponsor of the petting farm and pony rides during the festival.
A credit union spokesman noted that the Ice Festival is a great way to demonstrate the Michigan First commitment to the community, prompting their involvement and sponsorships.
This is the second year Michigan First has sponsored the petting farm, pony rides and huge sculpture.
“We really appreciate them, and all our sponsors,” noted James Geitzen of JAG entertainment, which produces the festival. “Many people do not realize this is a totally community-sponsored event. We couldn't do this without the support of businesses and it is a real testament to the importance of this event to the community.”
