Malta’s Artistic Talent Shines in Minnesota’s Snow Sculpting Competition
Malta has made its mark on the global snow sculpting stage with Team Mela’s participation in the prestigious World Snow Celebration held in Stillwater, Minnesota, USA. This event, renowned for combining artistic creativity with physical skill, saw Team Mela representing Malta for the first time.
Meet Team Mela
Team Mela consists of Adrianna Oramus, Amelia Saint George, Christophe Bourdinaud, and team captain Serhat Gur. The team was assembled by Gur, who recruited:
- His wife, Adrianna, an experienced sculptor.
- Christophe, a Swiss stone sculptor.
- Amelia, a British Malta-based sculptor discovered via MaltaCraft.org.
The Challenge: Sculpting in Extreme Conditions
The competition, which began on January 15, 2025, brought together 12 teams from five continents to carve intricate designs from 3m x 3m blocks of compressed snow. Organized by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the City of Stillwater, participants faced extreme weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to -20°C.
Team Mela rose to the challenge, creating an abstract sculpture that demonstrated their artistic talent while adapting to the unique characteristics of snow as a medium. Snow offers its unique challenges, but the process is incredibly rewarding, said Gur, who began snow sculpting only last year.
A Warm Welcome from Stillwater
The Maltese delegation received an enthusiastic reception from the Bayport community. In a touching tribute, Mayor Michele Hanson officially declared January 19, 2025, as ‘Malta Day’, with Maltese flags proudly displayed along the town’s main street.
Local schools incorporated lessons about Malta into their curriculum, while nearby restaurants celebrated Mediterranean culture with Maltese-inspired dishes.
It was an emotional and heartwarming experience, said Gur. The children had drawn and colored the Maltese flag on paper, and we were greeted with applause on every floor of the school. It was an unforgettable moment.
Funding Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite participating in international events in Finland and the US over the past two years, Team Mela continues to face financial hurdles. While some expenses are covered, the team still bears a significant financial burden. Gur highlighted the lack of support from local organizations, emphasizing the need for funding to sustain their participation in global competitions.
Regardless of these challenges, Team Mela remains immensely proud to represent Malta on an international stage, showcasing the country’s artistic talent and cultural heritage.
