GREENFIELD, Ind. (WTHR) — The winter season has once again brought a touch of artistry to central Indiana, thanks to the return of Greenfield’s beloved “snow artist,” Rick Horton. After a two-year hiatus due to unfavorable weather conditions, Horton has crafted a breathtaking new snow sculpture, following the region’s latest snowfall.
A Grand Design: The Snow Octopus
On Wednesday, January 10, 2025, Horton revealed his latest masterpiece — a giant octopus sprawling across his yard at South State Street and Forest Avenue in Greenfield. The intricate design, which spans much of his front yard, has captured the attention of locals and snow lovers alike. Horton shared the details of his creation on his Facebook page, where it quickly garnered excitement and admiration from his followers.
The octopus design, which Horton had been contemplating since November, was chosen specifically for its expansive nature. Horton explained that he wanted a sculpture that would stretch over a large area, providing a more impressive visual display compared to his previous, smaller creations.
The Effort Behind the Art
Creating the octopus sculpture was no small feat. Horton dedicated a total of 15 hours to sculpting the snow and adding details, including a paint job to give the octopus its life-like look. This process took longer than he had initially anticipated, but Horton said the effort was worth it, especially after two winters of inadequate snowfall that left him unable to sculpt anything.
“We had a good seven inches of snow this time, which was perfect for the project. After two seasons without enough snow to build anything, I figured I should go all out with this one,” Horton said.
With the low temperatures continuing throughout the region, this week’s cold weather is likely to preserve Horton’s creation for some time, allowing the public to appreciate the massive octopus before it melts away.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Horton’s snow sculptures have become a well-known tradition in Greenfield, eagerly awaited by the community whenever significant snowfalls hit the region. Over the years, Horton’s unique artistic approach has made him a local legend, with his works becoming a beloved winter staple for those in and around Greenfield.
The latest octopus sculpture continues to fuel the excitement and anticipation that Horton’s work has inspired over the past decades.
