Phallic Snow Sculpture Was A 10-Year Tradition, Artists Say

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES.

Sometimes when artistic inspiration strikes, you just have to grab it and run with it. That's the case with a group of Downers Grove residents who began building phallic snow sculptures more than 10 years ago. The group, who chose to remain anonymous, goes by the code name The Icedicles. Their most recent sculpture loomed nearly 15 feet tall and resulted in a call to local police.

After the most recent snow and ice sculpture gained publicity, people around the country wanted to know more about the people who made this artistic vision a reality. They also, really really wanted to see photos. Below is the transcript of an exclusive interview Patch did with the elusive Icedicles about their decade-plus tradition, along with some photos of their most famous pieces. Spoiler alert: they have a wicked sense of humor.

Patch: Do you build the same sculpture every year or do you use different...designs?

Icedicles: The design is usually derived from a similar inspiration, but it often takes on different forms. One year it was a large turret for a castle, another year it was a silo accompanied by two large shrubs. I think our favorite was last year’s lighthouse, standing strong through a winter storm with no loss of stature. This year’s design was intended to be a rocket to commemorate Space X’s achievements, but some structural flaws led to an unconvincing form. We commonly get too tired to finish the details which leaves things open to interpretation.

Patch: Is this the tallest one you've...erected?

Icedicles: This year’s sculpture was probably tied for the record with the first year, which measured in at 13 feet, but it really depends on who is measuring. And the cold doesn’t do us any favors. One thing is for certain; it was definitely above average.

Patch: How long did/does it take to build it?

Icedicles: The building event typically starts with a few drinks and a candlelight dinner – but sometimes it’s more of a quickie. The sculpture’s erection typically lasts two to four hours. If it lasts any longer, we head to the hospital.

Patch: How do the neighbors feel about it?

Icedicles: The neighbors are for the most part very supportive. In fact, this year as a neighbor was walking her dog she screamed, “This is the best day of the year!” Many family members and friends often ask ahead of time what the design will be. Typically, everyone stays true to their role, some help construct, some gaze at it longingly, and inevitably some get offended and decide to waste the time of our dedicated community service members.

Patch: Have you ever had the cops called about it before?

Icedicles: I can’t remember off the tip of my head. They usually show up at some point to have their picture taken with it. Rumor has it they have the most complete photo history of our artistic erections.

Patch: Will you do it again next year?

Icedicles: A lot of artists don’t like to admit it, but every year, it gets harder and harder to get it up and keep it up.

Scroll down to see more of the phallic snow sculptures created by The Icedicles over the past decade. WARNING. THE BELOW IMAGES RESEMBLE MALE GENITALIA:

>>Related: Cops Called On "Enormous" Snow Sculpture of Male Sex Organ

>>Images courtesy of the anonymous sculptors