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An artist of another kind

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BY SCOTT E. SMITH

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

Published: September 17, 2008

Dan Harri has an artistic eye and the ability to create three dimensional art out of a 300 pound block of ice.

"I just cut away anything that doesn't look like the item I am creating," Harri quickly said during a brief chat, referring to his ability to create ice sculptures.

Harri is director of business development for The Pampering Plumber, a Trinity-based upscale plumbing store. According to its Web site the business offers "personalized service in a relaxing atmosphere."

A resident of Trinity for the past 18 months, Harri was involved in the culinary arts in his previous life and holds certification with The American Culinary Institute.

He learned how to sculpt ice from a Turkish chef. "Being from northern Michigan I was comfortable with using a chainsaw," he added.

Harri is displaying his unique talents at The Trinity Village Shopping Center entertainment series. He helped organize the series in hopes of attracting folks to the shopping center, which is east of Little Road, at the corner of S.R. 54 and Duck Slough Boulevard.

The free, family-friendly events are held on Saturdays and have live entertainment; clowns and local artists exhibiting their artworks on the sidewalks of the mixed-use commerce center. The event also gives individuals a chance to win a 2002 Ferrari by buying prize drawing tickets. The drawing benefits First Christian Academy and Learning Center of Tarpon Springs
Harri's skills have become a main attraction at the events. Individuals gather around Harri and watch as he creates the sculptures in about 30 minutes.

In the past he has used multiple blocks of ice and fused them together to create awe inspiring ice sculptures.

In the current weather conditions his masterpieces last approximately four hours. "They are fun to create," he said.

He purchases special carving ice from Artic Ice, an ice sculpting service in Tampa.

"I need to be creative," Harri commented. He joined The Pampering Plumber with long-time friend, Erik Suojanen, who has been in the plumbing business for 37 years and is president of Plumbers of Suojanen Enterprises.

"I added my creative two cents in the development of The Pampering Plumber, which is geared toward woman," Harri said. It is a service-oriented company that shows the softer side of plumbing, he said.

Harri is married to an artist, Mabel, who works out of their home.

He works with his hands sculpting anything from wood to fruit sculpting.

He doesn't proclaim to be an artist but is driven to creating three dimensional items in phases. First, he creates a silhouette then moves on to creating a two dimensional shape, which ultimately ends with a final, 3-D work of art.

For photos of Dan Harri and the Trinity Village Shopping Center entertainment series visit www.suncoastnews.com>, keyword: Trinity Entertainment.

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