Local snow sculpter, Worzalla, partner to highlight reading

By Patrick Lynn

Local snow artist Jef Schobert sculpted his newest creation at Worzalla Publishing Company, 3535 Jefferson St. this week.

The employee-owned book printer said it partnered with Schobert to encourage reading, according to a news release from the company.

Schobert is a community favorite who sculpts snow art in his front yard on the 2700 block of Clark St. He produces about 100 sculptures even winter season.

“In the past Worzalla has supported local artists, most recently in the form of murals and statues. Now, we can add snow sculptures to the list,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Worzalla’s vice president of HR. “Jef’s work has become iconic around the Stevens Point community, we are proud to showcase his expertise at our facility.”

The sculpture was complete on Feb. 7, marking National Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week, a week made to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution authors and illustrators of children’s books have on young children.

In 2021, Worzalla worked with local artist Stephon Kiba Freeman to paint an expansive mural depicting a young girl standing on a stack of books surrounded by settings from the books she reads, including scenes from space, the ocean depths, tropical islands, and more.

That same year, Worzalla honored previous CEO Chuck Nason with a custom statue titled “New Heights of Knowledge—One More Chapter,” which depicts a young girl sitting on top a stack of books, reading and dreaming, by sculptor Gary Lee Price.