Ice-carving exhibition returns to Ice District this week

An ice carver uses a chainsaw to transform an ice block into a work of art in the 2023 Chisled event. (Courtesy: Activate Arts Alberta)

A popular winter exhibition will be making its return to Edmonton this week.

Activate Arts Alberta, previously known as Ice on Whyte Festival Society, announced on Monday the return of Edmonton’s ice carving competition known as Chisled.

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Over three days, some of the best Canadian ice carvers and sculptors will be transforming giant blocks of ice into five larger-than-life works of art at the Ice District Plaza.

The artists will work in teams of two to sculpt 15 ice blocks, each weighing more than 135 kilograms, by using tools like chainsaws and chisels.

The competition is free to watch.

Guests are encouraged to swing by the exhibition grounds multiple times to see the artists’ progress throughout the competition.

Event organizers say any weather above 0 C could cause delays in the competition as carvers would need to pause their work.

Once completed, the sculptures will be on display at Ice District until they melt away.

Before they do, visitors are encouraged to vote for their pick for the People’s Choice Award starting Jan. 17 by heading to the Activate Arts Alberta website.

As an added bonus, six of the participating artists will compete in a final speed-carving competition at the Ice District Fan Park starting at 2 p.m. on Jan. 18.

Each carver will put their skills to the test in a one-hour contest for spectators’ votes.

Attendees can vote for their favourite sculptures at icecastles.com.

The Chisled exhibition begins Thursday at 9 a.m. and will conclude Saturday at 7 p.m.