A Night on the Town, Fairbanks Style
Fairbanks, Alaska is home to the World Ice Art Championships and tonight we got a chance to walk among the ice sculptures. Most ice carvings that I have seen sit on a table at a fancy party, but these are completely different. First, they are huge! (Think taller and wider than a door). Second, they are incredibly detailed and creative.
There are simply no words. Remember, this is carved entirely from ice.
This beautiful statue is a Native American dancer. Look at the detail!
As I walked in the woods, stopping and talking to the artists, I couldn't help but feel that this was a magical experience. How often do you get a chance to see beautiful art, lovingly carved from ice, and displayed in the woods? The artists use a strange collection of tools to shape the ice, including chainsaws, chisels, torches, and even an iron (usually used to take wrinkle out of clothes).
This is an amazing windsurfer riding a frozen wave. Check out the artist at work!
This mask has eyes you can see through.
The exhibit also included a lot of fun ice sculpture. There were mazes, tunnels, and slides! There's something about snow pants that make you feel that you can do anything. The 'little kid' spirit in each of us could not be contained as we ran, crawled, and slid across ice sculptures.
Eskimo Mike? He does like the ice and snow. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Roop.)
The satellite phone is much more effective in a safety emergency. (Photo courtesy of Gary Wesche.)
My favorite treat was sliding with the PolarTREC teachers. Gary, Betsy and I snuck back just before leaving and borrowed a toboggan (sled) from a local Alaskan. We went flying!
Teachers love to have fun too. These slides are made entirely out of ice. What a ride!
I'm off to bed! More adventures to come tomorrow!
Mike