Ice Alaska Publicity Information

2009 Pin Design Contest

2009-04-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

2010 Pin Contest
World Ice Art Championships

Greetings From Ice Alaska:

The theme selected for the 2010 World Ice Art Championships is:
There's No Place Like Home

The pin competition is open to everyone. Entries must be received by April 30, 2009. The Ice Alaska Pin and Theme Committee will choose and announce the winning design by May 4, 2009.

Guidelines:

Draft your design to represent the theme "There's No Place Like Home" to fit an 8.5 x 11 inch format page with a white background. (i.e., to fit an 8.5 x 11 printed page - with your drawing large enough to show the detail.)
Limit colors to 5 or less– any 5 colors, including black and white. Shades of the same color count as separate colors. (Gold or silver used in lettering do not count as a color.)
The pin lettering can be gold OR silver. Gold or silver do not count as one of the 5 colors.
The shape of the pin depends on your design.
The finished pin will be about the size of a 25¢ or 50¢ coin.
Wording on the pin MUST include each of the following:
a) the theme (There's No Place Like Home),
b) the year (2010),
c) World Ice Art Championships, and
d) Fairbanks, Alaska.

How to Enter:
Send us your pin illustration drawing on an 8 1/2" by 11" format page with a white background. Make your color drawing large enough to clearly show the details. (If you choose to send your design via e-mail we will be printing your design out on 8 1/2" by 11" white paper for inclusion in the judging packet.)

Submit designs via E-mail or US Mail - so they are received by April 30, 2009:
E-mail: 2010pin@icealaska.com
or
US mail: Ice Alaska 2010 Pin Design
PO Box 83134, Fairbanks AK 99708 - received by April 30, 2009

Any questions: 2010pin@icealaska.com

Prize money:
$100 cash prize to the winning entry

The winner will be announced by May 4, 2009.

All submissions become the property of Ice Alaska.

Thank you,
Ice Alaska Theme and Pin Committee
Linda Heck, Chair
2010pin@icealaska.com

Volunteer Dinner

2009-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Calling all 2009 Ice Alaska volunteers! The End-of-Season Volunteer Dinner will be held on April 11, starting at 5PM, at the Ice Park. Dinner is provided by Ice Alaska, so bring your family and enjoy the fabulous food and company. Dinner will be served at 6PM. At the dinner, the winner of the Walt Coty Award (chosen by visitors to the park) will be announced.

Hope to see you there!

Anchorage Daily News visit the Park

2009-03-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Weather favors carvings in Fairbanks Ice Park

Newsminer article about our extended hours

2009-03-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Fairbanks Ice Park extends winter schedule

Ice Park Extension!

2009-03-19T19:46:00.001-07:00

Great news! Ice Alaska has decided to push back the closing date of the Ice Park until March 29th! Come enjoy the beautiful weather and our beautiful sculptures!

10AM to 10PM, now through March 29th! If you haven't visited yet, now is the time - or come again!

Visit www.icealaska.com for more information!

2009 Junior Ice Art Championships Winners!

2009-03-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2009

The 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships is an international ice sculpture competition held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska and sponsored by Ice Alaska, a non-profit corporation formed in 1990. This is an annual event has been held in Fairbanks, AK each March since 1988, when the tradition of ice sculpture, a feature of the Fairbanks Winter Carnival celebrations held during the 1930’s, was revived. Since 1988, there has been participation by sculptors from more than forty countries, including France, Russia, China, Sweden, Morocco, Malaysia, England, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Finland. This year, we have over 180 sculptors that will be participating in one of four events.

Local high school students are also afforded the opportunity to compete in their own competition. A small but enthusiastic group competed this year in the Junior Ice Art Championships. Held during the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District spring break, three teams competed in the event that began March 10 and ended March 13. Both experienced sculptors and first-time artists participated. Teams are provided one ice block, 3’ x 5 ’x 4’. The block weighs approximately 3,600 lbs. Once the ice block is placed, the sculpting team may not use motorized equipment to move the block. Experienced artists are on hand to answer questions and offer technical assistance allowed within the competition guidelines. Awards consisting of scholarships and gift certificates are given for both the Realistic and Abstract categories.

Grace Matthews, a junior at West Valley, was awarded first place in the Realistic category for her sculpture, “Bassman”. Grace received a $500 scholarship through the University of Alaska (UA) College Savings Plan (www.uacollegesavingsplan.com). Paul Pharr, a senior attending Raven Correspondence, won second place in the Realistic category for “Locomotion”. Paul received a $300 scholarship through the UA College Savings Plan.

Maggie Black, a sophomore, and Robin Lockwood, a freshman, (both at West Valley) worked together on “Wisdom”, an Abstract piece. Each will receive a $500 scholarship through the UA College Savings Plan.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Ice Alaska Public Relations at publicrelations@icealaska.com.

Alaska TravelGram video

2009-03-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Featuring the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships!
Available here

2009 Junior World Ice Art Championships

2009-03-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you ask Robin Lockwood and Maggie Black how long they've been ice carving, they will matter-of-factly tell you, "Since Monday". It's three days in of the four day competition, and Robin and Maggie are frank about their inexperience, but you know how for an assignment people say, "Just keep chippin' away?" "It's like that," says Maggie. "Literally."

Robin is a 9th grader while Maggie is in tenth grade. They entered the event because Robin's mom was really interested in the competition and thought it would be great for her daughter and a friend. According to the girls, Robin's mom is very excited to contribute by making the stanchions to keep Ice Park patrons safe. I am forseeing an entry for next year's Amateur Open... Robin and Maggie say that they are like sisters, and they've known each other since age 7. It's been a good bonding experience so far, but like any close relationship miscommunications can occur. However - laughter generally ensues.

As first time competitors, the pair is optimistic but realistic about the event. It's a great experience, and when people ask what they did over spring break, it is fairly unique to say, "I ice carved!" They weren't exactly sure what they were getting into, but as Fairbanks natives, they appreciate the entire championships a lot more. When you are little, your main goal is to get to the slides and the kids' park... and you look at the sculptures because you are told to. However, Robin and Maggie now have a greater understanding for all the work the artists put into their sculptures. Maggie added, "You see it [your design/sculpture] in your mind and then you see the big block of ice... how can you get from Point A to Z?"

At Site 2, you'll find their creation... their work-in-progress. The title of the piece is "Wisdom" and in tribute of the "Frozen Memories - 50 Years of Statehood" theme. An abstract piece, Robin and Maggie hope to create the essence of an owl. In Alaska, the young are taught to respect and learn from our elders and the owl represents that. Perhaps not intentionally, but the owl could also represent the watchful eyes of the girls' parents - via the webcam. I don't blame them... those are some sharp tools! I am glad my amateur site does not have a webcam... even at 25, my mom would be watching my every move. And I'm sure cringing at every use of the chainsaw.

Robin and Maggie however, have the safety procedures downpat. They were happy to explain the safe way to use a chisel to me, and I feel just that more prepared to complete my sculpture. And hey, they are having a blast! If all else fails... "We're winging it!" Owl... wings... get it?

And thank you, thirteen times.

Ice Alaska's 1st Annual Money Melt Down

2009-03-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here in the Interior, many await "breakup"... when the ice and snow begin to melt and we can see the ground again! At the Ice Park, we have our own version: Ice Alaska's 1st Annual Money Melt Down! As the picture caption states, "The pendulum is tied to the ice bar across the inside of the ice clock. When the bar melts the pendulum will drop and stop the clock." ... Tick... Tock... When will it Drop?

The Prize is 50% of the tickets sold - so the more sold, the bigger the prize! $2 per ticket or $20 per book (ten tickets). Tickets are available at the Ice Park Office, the Ticket Office, or at the Refreshment Counter. For more information you can call the Ice Park Office (451-8250) or Nita (457-2546).

Fine print:

Eielson Students Learning to Carve

2009-03-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ice Art champions teach Alaska military kids tricks of a cool trade

Spring Break is Here!

2009-03-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

One might think that following the Single-Block and Multi-Block competitions here at the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships, the park would be quiet other than patrons and the occasional noise of heavy machinery. On the contrary, there are still two competitions (one on-going and one starting tomorrow) as well as other various additions to the Ice Park.

The Amateur Open brings sculptors of much and no experience together. Which reminds me, my partner and I should probably get moving on our design. It's harder than it looks, but very rewarding once the sculpture starts to take place! There are currently twelve teams and still room if you'd like to participate. You do need to provide your own tools, but let me tell you - once you start carving and sculpting - you'll be hooked!

The Junior World Ice Art Championships start tomorrow and conclude on Friday the 13th. The awards ceremony is on the 14th at 8PM and awards in the form of gift certificates and scholarships are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Realistic and Abstract Categories. There are currently five teams set to compete. As a teacher, I am pretty impressed that a high school student is willing to give up their spring break to work out in the cold, and definitely give kudos to those students who are participating!

Miniature Golf is our newest addition to the Park! I am told it should be ready to go at any time - I am up for the challenge, how about you? For those of you who have been to Glo-Putt, you may recognize some of the equipment. Blinking golf balls are a lot of fun - and will definitely help you find them if you happen to go out of bounds! Like everything at the Ice Park... it's fun for all ages! The Golf "Green" is located across from the BP Stage, right near the warmup building.

Even if you aren't on spring break, come by after work or on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy everything the Ice Park has to offer. Have kids under 12? Grab a copy of the Newsminer on Tuesday and cut out the coupon - on Wednesday all kids under 12 get it for free with that coupon. Saturday is our Wells Fargo Military Appreciation Day, and admission is $5 off with ID. Sunday is our Powerhouse Signs Senior Appreciation Day - those 65 and older receive $5 off admission. Or, buy a season pass and come as much as you'd like! The sculptures are still all in great shape, and waiting for you!

Newsminer article on Multi-Block Winners

2009-03-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Ice Alaska carvers dig out of record snowfall in time for their day of judgment

At long last... The Multi-Block Winners!

2009-03-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2009

The 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships is an international ice sculpture competition held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska and sponsored by Ice Alaska, a non-profit corporation formed in 1990. This is an annual event has been held in Fairbanks, AK each March since 1988, when the tradition of ice sculpture, a feature of the Fairbanks Winter Carnival celebrations held during the 1930’s, was revived. Since 1988, there has been participation by sculptors from more than forty countries, including France, Russia, China, Sweden, Morocco, Malaysia, England, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Finland. This year, we have over 180 sculptors that will be participating in one of four events. The Single-Block Competition had 46 registered teams and the Multi-Block Classic had 24 teams representing many states within the US as well as a variety of countries.

The Multi-Block Classics began on March 1st at 9AM and concluded on March 6 at 9PM. Twenty-four four-person teams worked frantically for 6 days and 5 nights in blinding snow and heavy winds. Temperatures varied from twenty above (not including the wind chill) to just below zero. Artists completed their sculptures with ten blocks of ice - each measuring 6’x 4’x3’ and weighing approximately 5,400lbs apiece. AT&T generously donated a high-speed internet connection that allows the public to view the sculptors’ progress and completion at any hour from the comfort of their home computer, available at www.icealaska.com.

Sculptures were judged in two categories: Realistic and Abstract. The Carhartt Awards Ceremony was held on March 7 at 8PM on the BP Stage. During the ceremony, first through third place was awarded in both categories, and fourth through seventh place was announced for all twenty-four sculptures. In the Realistic category, “White Fang”, constructed by Junichi Nakamura, Shinichi Sawamura, Fukumi Furukawa, and Takao Waki, all of Japan, won first place. In second place was “Swimming Lesson”, done by Dorjsuren Lkhagvadorj and Tsagaan Munkh-erdene of Mongolia as well as Mark Davis and Ed Winslow of California. Third place in the Realistic category went to “Stairway to Heaven”. Artists include Buddy Rasmussen, Clay Rasmussen, and Roland De La Garza of Texas, and Robert Childers of Illinois.

In the Abstract category, the first place winner was “Pandora’s Box”, by Vladimir Zhikhartsev and Vitaly Lednev of Russia, Aaron Costic of California, and Joshua Kang of South Korea. In second place was “The Three Graces”. Artists include Sergey Tselebrovsky, Dmitry Gorokhov, and Sergey Zaplatin of Russia, and Andy Gertler of New York. The third place winner in the Abstract Category was “Rockin the Night Away”. Danny Spangler and Jeff Weston of Idaho, Jeff DeJong of Utah, and William Sanduski of Pennsylvania were the artists.

The fourth through seventh place winners are as follows: “50th Celebration by the Sourdough Band” with artists An, Di, An,Qi Feng, An, Zhe, Zhang,Chun He all of China. “King Kong the Beauty and the Beast”, with artists Mario Amegee of Monoco, Steve Armance of France, Chan Kitburi of Washington, and Dean Murray of Wisconsin. “Subsistence” with artists Gerelsaikhan Nyamjantsan, Tuvshintur Rashaanjav, Batmunkh Tserendash of Mongolia and Kris Wilson of Alaska. “Age Old Quarrel” with artists Stanley Kolonko, Jr and Chris Uyehara of New York, Stephan Koch of Indiana, and Ken Diederich of Ohio.

The Ivalie Cox Award, the artists’ top pick of all the Multi-Block entries, went to “Ice Bridge to Nowhere” in the Abstract Category with artists Anita Tabor and Dave Borough of Alaska, Johnny Patton of Arkansas, and Christian Mougin of France and “50th Celebration by the Sourdough Band” was the Realistic winner. The Governor’s Award, chosen by Ice Alaska’s more than 500 volunteers, went to “King Kong - the Beauty and the Beast”.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Ice Alaska Public Relations at publicrelations@icealaska.com.

Multi-Block Classic Complete; Awards Ceremony tonight!

2009-03-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2009

The 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships is an international ice sculpture competition held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska and sponsored by Ice Alaska, a non-profit corporation formed in 1990. This is an annual event has been held in Fairbanks, AK each March since 1988, when the tradition of ice sculpture, a feature of the Fairbanks Winter Carnival celebrations held during the 1930’s, was revived. Since 1988, there has been participation by sculptors from more than forty countries, including France, Russia, China, Sweden, Morocco, Malaysia, England, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Finland. This year, we have over 180 sculptors that will be participating in one of four events. The Single-Block Competition had 46 registered teams and the Multi-Block Classic had 24 teams representing many states within the US as well as a variety of countries.

The Multi-Block Classics began on March 1st at 9AM and concluded on March 6 at 9PM. Twenty-four four-person teams worked frantically for 6 days and 5 nights in blinding snow and heavy winds. Temperatures varied from twenty above (not including the wind chill) to just below zero. Artists completed their sculptures with ten blocks of ice - each measuring 6’x 4’x3’ and weighing approximately 5,400lbs apiece. AT&T generously donated a high-speed internet connection that allows the public to view the sculptors’ progress and completion at any hour from the comfort of their home computer, available at www.icealaska.com.

Sculptures will be judged in two categories: Realistic and Abstract. The Carhartt Awards Ceremony will be held on March 7 at 8PM on the BP Stage. During the ceremony, first through third place will be awarded in both categories. The Ivalie Cox Award, the artists’ top pick of all the Multi-Block entries, will be announced, and The Governor’s Award, chosen by Ice Alaska’s more than 500 volunteers, will also be announced.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Ice Alaska Public Relations at publicrelations@icealaska.com.

It's good to be a kid!

2009-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Never mind that the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championship's Multi-Block Classic is within 12 hours of completion, there is sledding to be done!

Fourth through sixth graders from Arctic Light Elementary visited the Park this morning and although they appreciated the completed Single-Block and the in-progress Multi-Block, all I heard was, "Mrs. G! Where are the big slides?!?" Before the slides, however... there was a bit of learning to be done. The students asked questions about why the ice was so blue, how long it took for the sculptors to create their masterpieces, and what the heavy machinery was used for in the multi-block. The wind and blowing snow did not keep the kids from running down the long paths, stopping to exclaim, "Wow! That's amazing!" and "I want to be able to do that!". Once they hit the kids' park, it was a clown car situation - how many sixth graders can we fit into the tunnel?

Eventually (towards the end of the visit... the slides are a great culmination for a school-age group. Or actually any group, as I've gone sledding every day), we made it to the big slides down at the pond. Picture 100 pairs of eyes growing wide and then 100 pairs of legs moving themselves as fast as they could to take a ride down the smooth ice. The video is of one of the teachers, Mr. Wolfe, letting gravity pull him (quite quickly) to the bottom. Here at the Park, we are looking forward to spring break (9-13 March) and seeing all of the kids (and kids at heart) enjoy what the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships have to offer!

Lost in the SNOW!

2009-03-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here we are at day Five of the Multi-Block and the snow is coming down with force. So much so that the Sculptors are loosing their tools in it! Ross, a dedicated volunteer, is walking around with his trusty metal detector helping everyone find their chisels and other metal tools. Good thing we have him around. He found a couple hundred worth of tools so far. Without Ross these tools may have stayed buried until spring. Along with loosing vital equipment in the snow, it adds a dangerous twist. Things get slippery when they get wet and cold, so the Sculptors must watch every step they make on the scaffolding. For the past three years the weather has added a different element to the competition. In 2007 it was below -30 for ten days straight, in 2008 it got above 30 for the week, and this year it is the snow. Leave it to the weather to make things interesting. The neat thing about the snow is that it makes the ice look so blue. It is also means it is warm enough to stay outside and really watch the Sculptors work. As I walked around the park today I was able to really watch how different techniques were accomplished. For instance how an everyday iron was used to really smooth out and make a piece of ice crystal clear and turn it into a prism. Or how a drill could make ice look like a bunch of bubbles. As I was talking to a Sculptor about the bubbles, he told me that a couple years ago each bubble was carved by hand one by one, now it is done with a drill, quick and easy. I guess technology keeps improving in all walks of life.

Newsminer photo of 50th Anniversary Torch

2009-03-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

50th Anniversary of Statehood Torch at the Park

Multi-Block Day Four

2009-03-04T15:07:00.001-08:00

Here we are at Day Four! The progress among the artists is varied, although the vision and planning is evident in all 24 sites. There are two days left in this six-day event, and the weather has been quite agreeable, minus a bit of wind. Throughout my journey with Ice Alaska, several artists have mentioned that -10 to +10 is the perfect weather for sculpting. Luckily Mother Nature has, for the most part, been kind. I had to work yesterday and was unable to stop by the park, but I did keep track of the progress online at icealaska.com (more specifically 2009 Multi-Block Classic Webcams) and clicking in every few hours to see the changes. Heather Brice, a local artist, is featured above.

The Single-Block sculptures are holding up nicely - I highly recommend that you stop by and see them both during the daylight hours and at night. The picture here is of "Beautiful Chemistry" and was taken by Kathy McBride, one of the volunteers. Don't forget... these sculptures were created from just one block of ice. Imagine what can be constructed using ten blocks!

Newsminer article featuring Chinese artists

2009-03-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

Chinese sculptors highlight ice carving’s global reach

Multi-Block Day Two - A Big Move

2009-03-02T20:25:00.001-08:00

Hastings, Minnesota Resident is competing this week at international ice carving competition

2009-03-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Schmotzer is competing this week at international ice carving competition

Syracuse-area ice-carving chefs are competing in Alaska

2009-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

Syracuse-area ice-carving chefs are competing in Alaska

Day Two of the Multi-Block

2009-03-02T13:32:00.001-08:00

It is Day Two of the Multi-Block Competition, and the 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships even more original and unique than in years past. Sitting in the artists' eating area is fascinating. Conversations vary from what is next in their sculpting plan to how much sleep the artists believe they can run on before they crash. And by crash, I mean the artists... hopefully not the sculptures!

The weather today is colder than yesterday, with a forecasted high of 7 and a low of -8. Around noon, the temps were just below freezing at -2. Luckily, the wind is low and fairly calm.

The sounds of heavy equipment echo down the two rows of Multi-Block Competition. In just 30 hours, massive amounts of progress have been made. There are approximately 100 hours to go and new and veteran sculptors alike are getting into the groove.

Multi-Block Competition Day One

2009-03-01T18:32:00.001-08:00

Artists at Work

2009-03-01T17:52:00.001-08:00

Ice Harvesting

2009-03-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

The PR Crew Sculpts

2009-03-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Single Block Results

2009-02-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2009

The 2009 BP World Ice Art Championships are underway and at 9PM on February 26,
the Single-Block competitors completed their works of art after 60 hours of intricate and
intense ice sculpting. Weather conditions varied, with sunshine, snow, wind, and just a
touch of freezing rain. In the competition, teams of two receive one 5’x3’x8’ block of ice,
weighing approximately 7,500 pounds. There were 46 teams in the Single-Block
Competition this year, with competitors from all over the world. Countries including
Mexico, Mongolia, Japan, Russia, France, the Netherlands, China, Germany, Ireland,
Great Britain, South Korea, Monaco, and the Slovak Republic, as well as the United
States, participated.

Sculptures for the Single-Block Competition were judged in two categories: Realistic and
Abstract. The Carhartt Awards Ceremony was held at 8PM on March 8, and the winners
were announced from our BP Stage. In the Realistic contest, first place was awarded to
Junichi Nakamura of Japan and Suguru Kanbayasi of Canada with “Surfacing
Kingfisher”. Second place, and the United States representative to the 2010 Winter
Olympics was Greg Butauaki and Jeff Peterscak with “Leafy Lunch”. The third place
winner in the realistic category was An, Di of China and An, Qi Feng also of China. Their
sculpture was entitled, “Invitation”.

In the Abstract category, the winning sculpture was “Spring” by Aaron Costic of the US
and Martin King of England. Vitaly Lednev and Sergey Loginov, both of Russia, came in
second with “Adam and Eve: One Heart for Two”. In third place was “Moonlight
Sonata”, a piece by Sergey Tselbrovsky of Russia and Andy Gertler of the US.
Fourth through seventh place (a combination of abstract and realistic) are as follows:
Steve Armance of France and David Vallet of the US with “Eternal Flame”, Chan Kitburi
and Dean Murray of the US with “Wild Ride”, Dawson List and David Fong of the US
with “Beautiful Chemistry” and Tuvshintur Rashaanjav and Batmunkh Tserendash of
Mongolia with “Evolution”.

Please feel free to contact Ice Alaska public relations for more info at
publicrelations@icealaska.com.

Ice Alaska-BP World Ice Art Championships
PO Box 83134
1925 Chena Landings Loop
Fairbanks, AK 99708
Phone: 907-451-8250 Fax: 907-456-1591
publicrelations@icealaska.com
www.icealaska.com