Congratulations to all the Single Block artists. Your sculptures are truly amazing objects d’ art. It is always such a pleasure to witness the dedication and talent you all possess and share with us. Congratulations to the first, second and third place winners: Daniel Bergin, first place “Musical Escape”. (I have to admit, this was my favorite sculpture. The fluidity and grace are breathtaking), Dan Helmstatder, second place “Cold Chameleon (adore the fly) and Steve Dean, third place “Flight Risk”.

The last blowing of the horn signaled the end of the three World Ice Carving Competitions, Multi Block, Double Block and Single Block, for 2024. Steve Brice, did I hear you tell Bernie you could hardly wait for next year?

There are two more fun carving exhibitions/competitions. The Snow Family Competition begins the 9^th of March and ends the 10th. It is always fun to watch families tackle giant mounds of snow and see what they can dream up. Then on the 11^th of March the Ice Alaska Youth Classic begins and ends on the 14^th.

The Youth Classic is a way to encourage students to use their sculpting skills they have learned in the local schools where ice sculpting curriculums are taught. The Classic is always held the week of Spring Break so the kids have an entire week to carve. There is no fee to enter and the team members must be 10-18 years of age. Each team is given one block of ice, 3’ x 4’x 30”, and weighs approximately 1800 lbs. The students may work by themselves or have one other student for a team of two. Experienced artists are on hand to assist with requested chainsaw cuts, and to answer questions, and offer technical assistance allowed within the competition guidelines.  During the 1st afternoon, teams will finalize their drawings or make clay models of their sculptures. Award of medals and gift certificates are awarded to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. It is amazing what skills and imaginations these young artists have. They are our ice artists of the future.