Brendan Schaffer ’07 Crafts ‘Wicked’ Snow Sculpture
Ashley Taube
Do you want to build a snowman? Sculptor Brendan Schaffer ’07 has set his sights even higher during the Northeast’s recent snowstorm, daring to defy gravity!
Eagle-eyed faculty and alumni may have recognized the former Buc when he appeared in a segment for Action News on 6ABC in Philadelphia, showcasing his vibrant snow sculpture of Elphaba from Wicked. When he isn’t working as the leader of the Wildwood Public School’s after-school program, Brendan crafts remarkably detailed snow sculptures outside his home in Villas, New Jersey, for all to enjoy.
“I started with my dad when I was young,” Brendan explained during the broadcast, “just building fun little snowmen and creatures outside of our house….Now we’ve evolved into: every time it snows, I have to come out and make something awesome.”
Brendan’s passion for sculpting has brought him both local and national acclaim. In 2014, Brendan’s work gained national attention when ESPN featured his Super Bowl snow sculpture on Facebook. His five-foot Vince Lombardi Trophy—flanked by the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos logos—caught the eye of the NFL, which requested permission to use his photo. But Brendan’s talents extend beyond snow. He’s a celebrated sand sculptor, having won competitions across the country, including three championships at Michigan’s prestigious Blue Water SandFest. In 2023, he made headlines for a sand sculpture supporting his beloved Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the Super Bowl on the beaches of Cape May. This year, Cape May commissioned him again to honor another Eagles playoff run.
Whether working with sand or snow, Brendan’s eco-artwork pieces are true labors of love. Each piece takes between 10 and 18 hours to complete and can disappear just as quickly, depending on the weather. Brendan estimates that he’s been sculpting at this level for a decade. When it comes to snow sculptures, his primary goal is to brighten people’s spirits during cold, dreary days.
“All of my experiences have taught me that you’ve got to make life fun,” Brendan shares. “I just try to bring joy. It’s my gift to the community. They love it, and they look forward to it every time it snows, which brings me joy.”
To watch the full segment, click here. To explore Brendan’s snow and sand creations—along with his work in other mediums like crepe paper, papier-mâché, concrete, resin, face paint and wood—visit Brendan’s Schaffer Art Studios Facebook page.
News Headlines
One of Blair Academy’s most cherished traditions, the annual Senior Seminar Series, is back, offering seniors an engaging lineup of experiences designed to equip them with essential life skills before they step into the next chapter of their journeys.
This year, the Romano Gallery is pleased to welcome three exceptional emerging artists to showcase their work in the “Emerging Artists Trio” exhibition from February 8 to March 7.