Video: New hawk on the block

Blocks of ice littered the ground at Donald Chapelle’s feet. With bodies shivering and teeth chattering, students at the Hansen Elementary School huddled together closely to combat the biting wind — their frosty breath rising above the group.

An array of chisels oddly shaped drill-like tools, buffers and even a chain saw lay before Chapelle.

“Now we’re going to make the feathers,” Chapelle told a group of fifth graders watching intently despite the bitter cold. Chapelle pulled out a chisel and with long, smooth, sweeping motions, he carved feathers into what was once a block of ice. The ice had morphed into the shape of a hawk preparing to take off, representing the school mascot.

Chapelle’s visit and his icy work of art was part of the Hansen School’s annual curricular theme — this year known as Sculpture Shaping the World according to Principal Jason Raisner.   The theme is integrated into all teachers’ lesson plans, Raisner explained.

Chapelle, who has worked with ice sculptures for First Night in Boston for the past 21 years, helped the Hansen School celebrate the “Year of Sculpture” Tuesday.

 “It’s a big tradition here,” Raisner said. “Ice sculpture fits perfectly into that.”

With temperatures dipping well below freezing and with the wind chill nipping noses and cheeks, keeping the ice from melting wasn’t a problem. One class at a time came outside to sneak a peak at Chapelle’s work in progress during the day. After getting started on the project at about 9 a.m., Chapelle completed the impressive hawk sculpture by 2:30 p.m.  

“Let’s go ahead and do the eyeballs,” Chapelle said and pulled out a special tool just for the task. “I probably use this for three seconds a day.”

Working out of Lawrence, Chapelle has produced sculptures from blocks of ice weighing more than 30 tons.

Standing more than five feet tall and with blue and yellow lights illuminating the artwork, the finished product has been placed along the turn-around at the Hansen School. The hawk Chapelle shaped sits perched atop the globe, which rests upon a block with the name “HANSEN” chiseled into it.

On Tuesday night, the Hansen School held a “hot chocolate” get together for families and the Hansen Parent Teacher Organization, which provided support to help Raisner and his staff bring Chapelle to Stoughton.

One of many activities throughout the year for their sculpture theme, Raisner said the students were treated to sand sculptures at the beginning of the year. The Hansen School is also planning a field trip to the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln to view its “Sculpture Park,” which totals 35 acres.

Throughout school vacation next week, Raisner invites the Stoughton community to head over to the school to see the finished sculpture displayed outside.

For more information on Chapelle, go to brillianticesculpture.com.