World Ice Art Championships

The World Ice Art Championships is an ice sculpting contest in Fairbanks, Alaska put on by Ice Alaska, a non profit corporation started in 1989. The contest is the largest of its kind in the world and attended by more than 100 sculptors from 30 different countries every year [ [http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0326/p15s02-altr.html Sculpture that melts in spring | csmonitor.com ] ] . The contest also draws tens of thousands of specators, in 2004 48,000 people from more than 28 countries passed through the park's gates [ [http://travelvideo.tv/news/more.php?id=7911_0_1_0_M41 Travel Video] ] .

In 2007 award winning IgoUgo travel guide MilwVon ventured to Fairbanks and wrote about her experience at the 2007 Int'l Ice Art Championships. Her journal review may be found at: [http://www.igougo.com/travelcontent/journalEntryFreeForm.aspx?ReviewID=1332099&Mode=4&EntryID=34748 MilwVon's Review]

Events

The championship is divided into three separate divisions each of which will then be divided again into abstract and realistic categories.

Single Block Classic

The single block classic is the first and largest event of the championships. In the event two-person teams work with the ice from a single ice block measuring 5' x 8' x 3' and weighing more than 7,800 lbs. (4 tons) and have two days to complete their sculpture. During this event heavy machery may not be used. This event is typically sponsored by ConocoPhillips.

Multi-Block Classic

In the multi block classic teams of four members receive twelve blocks of ice measuring 4' x 4' x 3 and five days to produce their sculpture. The final creations of this event will weigh up to 20 tons and tower over 25 feet in height. During this event heavy machinery may be used. It is typically sponsored by British Petroleum.

Fairbanks Open

The fairbanks open is an unjudged part of the competition where amateur sculptors work alongside world-famous artists.

Winners

See also

*Ice sculpture

Sources

# [http://www.icealaska.com/index.html Ice Alaska Website]
# [http://www.alaska.net/~dogdrivr/ice_art.htm Alaska.net]
# [http://fairbanks-alaska.com/ice-sculptures.htm Fairbanks-Alaska.com]

References

External links