sapporo, ice sculptures in january?

hey peps i was wondering if it would be possible to see the big ice sculptures in mid january. i will probably be staying there for a day or 2 and thats something ive always wanted to check out

I don't think there are any ice sculptures outside the snow festival, which takes place February 5-11, 2009:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5311.html

In the end of January you might be able to observe the construction of the sculptures, but I am afraid that mid January is too early.