Jason Dreweck's Snowboard Sculpture "The Turning Point"

Recently, the Loveland High School graduate was able to combine these two interests when he created a 14-foot bronze sculpture depicting a snowboarder carving down a mountain.

Now, the piece that encompasses Dreweck's passions will be admired by sport enthusiasts from around the country when "The Turning Point" is placed at the entrance of the SnowSport Industries America Snow Show in later this week.

"It's incredible. You couldn't ask for anything more," Dreweck said.

"Anyone who's anyone in snow sports is going to be there. Just to have that concentration of people, it's definitely something I'm excited about."

Dreweck, 32, began sculpting about four years ago after a lifetime of watching his mother, Loveland artist Teresa Hansen, at work.

With many of Hansen's pieces displayed around town, including "Loveland's Sweetheart Couple" at Thompson Park at Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue, his mother offered a lot to learn, Dreweck said.

"I grew up around it, learning from her," he said.

When he decided to give sculpting a try himself, she was there to support him along the way, he added.

Focusing on subjects that interest him, Dreweck decided to make the snowboarding sculpture and is currently working on one featuring a surfer.

Recently, Burton Snowboards, which has a maquette of "The Turning Point" on display at its office, suggested the full-sized version of Dreweck's piece be displayed at the annual trade show.

Thursday through Sunday, the sculpture will greet every person who attends the show at the Colorado Convention Center.

Dreweck's mother said she's proud of her son and the artist he's become.

"It's a great opportunity for him," Hansen said. "It's the beginning in a career."

And Dreweck, who will be selling limited editions of the piece at the show, can't wait for the event.