Oneonta ice sculpting show set for Saturday

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February 7, 2012

By Denise Richardson Staff Writer The Daily Star Tue Feb 07, 2012, 02:30 AM EST

Carvers will turn blocks of ice into a variety of sculptures Saturday in an Oneonta event presented by local business Iceography.

Between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., a series of demonstrations by professionals and carving opportunities for amateurs will be at Muller Plaza and along Main Street downtown, said Sean Taylor, owner of Iceography, which has a studio in Colliersville.

Taylor said he learned ice carving in the culinary arts program at the State University College of Technology at Delhi and started his ice-carving business about six years ago. Iceography caters to weddings, corporate events and other occasions, Taylor said, and he travels to areas to carve, such as the recent Chowderfest in Saratoga Springs.

"It would be nice to see some winter event in Oneonta," Taylor said.

In early December, Taylor said, he took that idea and started seeking sponsors for Saturday's local Iceography program.

Oneonta could benefit economically from a winter festival-type of event such as ice-carving demonstrations and competitions, Taylor said. February is a typically slow time for retailers, he said, and Saturday's event may encourage visitors and shoppers to spend time on Main Street.

Many downtown businesses are participating in the Iceography event as sponsors, and Julia Goff, program coordinator of Main Street Oneonta, said MSO is helping spread word of activities, though the group isn't involved in organizing or sponsoring them.

"Any foot traffic downtown is good," Goff said.

Taylor said at least six professional ice carvers will attend events. Carvers use chain saws, chisels, die grinders and other equipment to create forms.

More than seven businesses are sponsoring ice carving and activities, according to a poster about the event.

The daytime demonstrations downtown are free, Taylor said. Ice has been delivered to the area from Ohio, he said, and blocks used Saturday measure 44 inches tall, 22 inches wide and about 12 inches deep, and each weighs hundreds of pounds.

On Saturday night, the ice-carving focus will continue at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center with Valentine's On Ice from 8 p.m. to midnight. Carving duels, a "polar fashion show" by Leilani's, music and dancing. Admission to the party is $35.