Winter Carnival Button Holder Drawing & Fun Pass Savings
Enter to win and save with the Winter Carnival
Get entered to win in the Winter Carnival Button Grand Prize Drawing and unlock your Winter Carnival FUN Pass mobile savings for exclusive deals at restaurants, retail, lodging, and more!
Once you sign up your pass will be delivered to your mobile phone via text and e-mail.
Meet the Artist: Heather Friedli
Step into the vibrant world of Heather Friedli, a contemporary impressionist artist whose work is as diverse as her rich heritage. With roots steeped in Anishinaabe, Mexican, and American cultures, Heather captures the essence of the land around her in breathtaking oil paintings and stunning snow sculptures. Her artistic journey—dubbed her “Artventures”—takes her deep into the heart of the country’s parks and natural wonders, where she finds inspiration in the bold strokes and brilliant colors of cloudscapes, shimmering waters, and the native flora and fauna that grace our landscapes.
For over 15 years, Heather has been a professional snow sculptor, mesmerizing audiences with her ability to transform snow into magnificent works of art. A familiar face at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, she has dedicated 13 of those years to delighting crowds at the Vulcan Snow Park, where her team brings to life the enchanting stories of Minnesota’s natural world. Heather’s impressive accolades include winning the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Championship in 2016 and taking home the gold at the National Snow Sculpting Championship in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 2019 with her team, Team Dino Fight. Not to mention her stunning second-place finish at Disney’s “Best In Snow” competition in February 2022!
What sets Heather apart is her unique approach to snow sculpting, which transcends traditional artistry. Each piece is not just a sculpture but a kinesthetic experience that invites audiences to witness the physicality and passion involved in the creative process. As she shapes the snow, she channels both her immediate environment and the rich tapestry of her family’s history, turning each sculpture into a powerful performance art piece. Her team, Team Kwe, has been recognized as the only all-women Indigenous snow sculpting team in the US.
Born in Los Angeles, California in 1982, Heather graduated with a degree in Fibers & Textiles from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2005. A transformative thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2010 sparked a newfound inspiration, leading her to create captivating works that weave together the threads of her Odawa and Mexican heritages within dreamlike landscapes. Now residing in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Heather continues to explore the great outdoors, embarking on Artventures with her family and solo, all while running the beloved Friedli Gallery on West 7th in Downtown Saint Paul.
Join us in celebrating Heather Friedli, a dynamic artist whose work not only illuminates the 2025 Saint Paul Winter Carnival but also invites us to explore the beauty and spirit of nature through her eyes!
