What Is It?
From February 14 through March 19, artists from around the world sculpt grand designs from giant blocks of ice at the 29th annual World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska.
History
The first World Ice Art Championships were a one-week event in 1990, featuring eight teams. The program has grown to nearly three weeks with more than 70 teams competing. During the competition, teams of artists carve masterpieces from 3-foot-by-4-foot-by-6-foot blocks of ice.
Competition
The World Ice Art Championships features five competitions: single block, double block, multi-block (using nine blocks), and youth (using a 2-foot-by-3-foot-by-3-foot block).
Rules
For most events, competition begins February 15, and teams sculpt until 9 p.m. on February 20. Art is judged on first impression, creativity, composition, difficulty, precision, presentation and proportion.
More to See
The event is held at the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds, on the north end of Fairbanks. While taking a break from seeing the ice art, visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which details the history of the region’s people and wildlife.
More Info
For tickets, more info and updated local health guidelines, call 833-442-3278 or visit icealaska.org.