ROSEVILLE, Mich. – It’s that excitement and symbols like this that are making memories around the Detroit Lions so special.
The snow sculpture is one fan’s way of honoring the Detroit Lions.
“I had to shovel my snow up as a good citizen,” said Edward Stross. “I put it off into a big old pile, and I see a lion in it, and I started working with it a little bit. Next thing you know, it turns into this.”
Stross owns Gonzo Art Studios. The sculpture is positioned on the corner outside his shop.
“First of all, you pack it down because I wanted it dense, so it lasts,” Stross said as he shaped the snow on his creation. “So it has some strength there to it. Then I got a screwdriver, and I was sculpting it with that.”
Blue dye was added to finish things off. Lots of blue dye. Stross said that was necessary.
You might consider the sculpture, one man’s way of going all in. Honoring a football team so many fans are rooting for right now.
“They inspired me,” Stross said. “That’s why I call it ‘Gritty the Snow Lion.’ You know, I had to have the grit to come out here and do it. So, you inspired me and the whole community.”
Community members are showing their support in big ways. They’re flashing a ‘Thumbs up’ in traffic, shooting photos while waiting at red lights, and taking selfies with Gritty the Snow Lion.
It’s that excitement and symbols like this that are making memories around the Detroit Lions so special.
“It’s not perfect,” Stross said. “You know, it’s a representation of the Lions. And what makes it so special is, you know, the Lions. They are the ones that make this sculpture beautiful.”
Stross said he’ll continue maintaining the sculpture as long as the weather holds up.
You can see the sculpture outside Gonzo Art Studios, located at 28305 Gratiot Avenue.