“The newest addition to the University of Akron landscape is not permanent so much as it is seasonal. Ice sculptures are appearing around campus this week as the hospitality program demonstrates its creativity. The hospitality program has had an ice carving team for the past 20 years.”
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The newest addition to the University of Akron landscape is not permanent so much as it is seasonal.

Ice sculptures are appearing around campus this week as the hospitality program demonstrates its creativity. The hospitality program has had an ice carving team for the past 20 years.

Hospitality management student, Kellie Giger said, it’s an artistic outlet.

Most members of the ice carving team are new to the group except for Issac Delamatre and Nicole Garrison.

The team has been to several local competitions and is well-trained. Last year, Delamatre and his partner won a national title.

Delamatre said that the farthest he has travelled for a competition was to Chicago; however, he didn’t place in the competition.

Hospitality professor Aaron Costic, is considered one of the best ice carvers in the world. He has won two Olympic medals, a bronze in 1998, and a gold in 2006.

Yes, ice carving is an Olympic event.

Costic, expressing his excitement about his gold medal said, it had been a goal for a while and it took a lot of planning and prep to get there.

He said he felt a lot of national pride for accomplishing his goal.

Carvers from more than 30 countries competed in the multi-day Olympic event.

According to Costic, ice sculpting at the university level is important because it provides a well-rounded education.

Delamatre said the the team uses about 300 lbs. of ice and takes anywhere from three to five days to make. The blocks of ice are made at Costic’s own shop in Broadview Heights.

In order to make the blocks, water is put into a mold that constantly turns, causing the impurities to rise to the top, leaving a clear block of ice. This type of ice costs about $50 a block. However, a block with impurities would only cost around $25, Delamatre said.

The art created by the students won’t last forever.

According to the UA ice carving team, the sculptures will last as long as the sky is overcast. The hope for their most recent endeavor is that the sculptures will last through the weekend.

They will host a competition at UA on Jan. 18 and 19. The first day will consist of carving demonstrations and the second day will be a competition against other schools.

The ice carving team will send four carvers to the collegiate national championships in Frankenmuth, Mich. at the end of January.

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” #1.1361423:1679768261.jpg:20071206_ice_cb.jpg:Students on the ice carving team shape sculptures Wednesday night.:Chistopher Bair”