Ice Sculpting

Weddings, gallery openings, charity events, and gala balls are all great reasons to top off the culinary fare with a magnificent ice sculpture. Truly a unique form of art, ice sculpting is becoming more and more popular when elegance and glamour are the goal. Today this impressive field is growing fast, as aspiring artists turn to it for expression.

Ice sculptures are almost a staple at celebrity events. Whether the gala is planned in recognition of athletic prowess, college graduation, or even the completion of a new movie, the presence of an ice sculpture captures the attention of guests of all ages. Ice sculptures are generally carved from very large blocks of clear ice. They can be classical in design, or they may reflect the latest in technology.

Most ice sculptures are carved with chainsaws and other tools such as die grinders and chisels. It may take a skilled artist up to 10 or more hours to complete a piece created from a 300 lb. block of ice. Pieces for smaller parties or events may be around 20-24" tall. Many ice sculpture pieces will last for hours if they are presented in a room kept at 70 degrees or lower.

Ice sculpting is a fragile art. Pieces can be viewed only for a short period of time before they pass back into their natural watery state. At the same time, their vivid and mysterious beauty make them a wonderful choice for virtually any celebration. One place to get information about learning the art of ice sculpting is to contact the National Ice Carving Association. Its 500 members are working to bring this art form into the mainstream of American art, and they even organize competitions for amateurs and professionals alike.