It is not your average snowman.

"This is a geometric, symmetrical pillar," Clayton Artist Kristy Hoover said.

Local artist Kristy Hoover is looking to add to an already impressive skill set of painting, drawing, and clay, by learning snow sculpting.

"It seems really simple, but there's an awful lot of math that goes into this to try to get everything exactly correct," Hoover said.

As Kristy works on the sculpture outside of the River Muse Art Studio and Gallery in Clayton, she's getting some help and advice from an expert, Serge Sigouin of Evans Mills.

"I'm a two time state champion. I've been to nationals. I've been to several internationals," Sigouin said.

Together, the pair discussed creating a team to enter a national competition, but COVID-19 restrictions made it almost impossible. So this year, they're working on the craft and keeping future competitions in mind.

"It could be. You never know," Hoover teased.

The two have been working on these sculptures for weeks now, but the planning began long ago.

They just finished one at a nearby football field, and like a high school football game, they draw spectators. It's drawing attention to local art and perhaps bringing more people inside the studio.

"It is important no matter what in the community. You have got to have art. It is what keeps us all going. You don't realize how much it is important because there's not so much emphasis on it. However, you look around your house and you've got artwork everywhere. It creates an atmosphere," Hoover said of art.

It's why she and Sigouin hope these sculptures can last a bit. The weather hasn't exactly been cooperating lately.

"The sun, the wind, the rain... If it's not wrapped, it will evaporate," Sigouin added.

But even when the snow melts, it'll still be well worth all the effort. Their creations and practice could perhaps attract a future competition in Clayton.

The state is talking with the village about a post-COVID-19 event sometime soon, perhaps as early as next year.