Sweet Pea, a Festival of the Arts, a Bozeman non-profit promoting and cultivating the arts, is pleased to announce its 8th Annual Ice Carving Competition will be held Saturday, January 27th, from 9am–3pm. Professional and amateur ice carvers are invited to join the competition located at Soroptimist Park, E Main St and S Rouse Ave.
There’s no fee to participate, and carving tools will be available to borrow with a $10 refundable deposit. Solo carvers and teams of friends and family are welcome. A demonstration for beginner carvers will be hosted by Melanie Mangione and Chris Berryhill, Friday, January 26th, from 1–4pm at Soroptimist Park.
This year, Sweet Pea Festival will host master ice carvers Tom and Carol Lewando, who will carve an exhibition piece between January 22nd and 26th. A retired art teacher and carpenter, the Lewandos have been carving ice together throughout Alaska and internationally for over 20 years. Using chainsaws, grinders and chisels to sculpt blocks of ice ranging from 350 to 3,000 pounds, the Lewandos believe the beauty of ice carving extends beyond the carving and finished frozen art through the melting process.
Ice carvings will be judged by a panel of volunteers. Winners will receive ribbons and cash prizes for 1st-3rd places in both Professional and Amateur Divisions. The finished sculptures will remain on display to the public as weather permits.
Participants must apply by January 24th. Applications are available at www.sweetpeafestival.org. For more information or to reserve carving tools, contact Melanie at (907) 748-5022 or mmangione@architectsalaska.com. •
