As the new year dawned, snow and record cold seemed to last forever — snarling mail delivery and garbage pickup for some, and keeping many from navigating their steep and twisted island driveways.

But while it lasted, some found time to discover the sculptural and artistic possibilities in all the white stuff. Islander Mary Jo Svendsen created a magnificent snowcat, while Nancy Hosticka was delighted by the sight of a welcoming snow queen, leaning on a tree in Agren Park. Jim Diers found majesty in a mountain of snow cleared from Vashon Thriftway’s parking lot, while Alice Burns leaned in to photograph a single, magical flake.

— Elizabeth Shepherd