From paper to ice! Five Children’s Minnesota patients were chosen to have their drawings transformed into ice sculptures at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival this year. Tom Klug and his talented team of ice carvers helped these patients see their artwork become 3D.
Klug and his team had their work cut out for them. Young artists from the Youth Advisory Council and art therapy programs at Children’s Minnesota submitted their creative drawings to the ice sculpting team. The sculpting team took drawings of a Lady’s Slipper flower, a hockey goalie, a rose and more and spent hours carving them into frozen art during unseasonably warm temperatures.
Klug’s daughter received care at Children’s Minnesota as an infant. And, in order to give back, he started this event in 2023! His giving inspired others. This year, John Cooper, the dad of another former Children’s Minnesota patient, joined the team to help carve at Rice Park in historic downtown St. Paul.
Fifteen-year-old Lyla was one of the patients whose drawing was chosen, and her rose was sculpted by Tom Klug himself. She even got the opportunity to watch Klug bring the rose to life at the carnival! Lyla also shared her story with news reporters at the carnival grounds.
The ice carvings were made possible by a generous donation by APi Group.
