Weather fails to chill thrill
Artwork showcased at Eastwood center
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NILES -- Bright sunlight and rising temperatures couldn't dampen -- nor melt -- the spectators' enjoyment of ice sculptures featuring animals, birds and logos displayed Sunday outside the Eastwood Mall Event Centre.
Jim Loiko, owner of Images in Ice in Cleveland, created the large sculptures. He was joined by Kent State University hospitality students, who take a class that includes carving ice as part of their curriculum.
Loiko said the Cafaro Company donates the space for them to do demonstrations.
"The students come here and have a little fun," he said. "They did 10 ice sculptures, and I did some, including the front-entrance piece. The public loves watching this," he said.
Loiko has been ice carving for 28 years and likes to creating aquatic animals and mythological creatures.
Loiko said the sun and warmer temperature does cause the sculptures to melt faster.
He said the KSU students come with a template they use in class, put that on the ice, outline it, and then cut the ice with a chainsaw.
Loiko said the ice show is an introduction to the trade, giving them the tools and training to know how to do it.
"Most of the students have never held a chainsaw before," he said. "They take a safety class before this starts. They come into the hospitality industry knowing all the possibilities of what they can do."
Loiko said he enjoys working with chefs who themselves are creative and help make him better.
Mandy Ulicney, associate lecturer for the Kent State University hospitality and event management department, said many students in hospitality and event management program take part in the ice-sculpting demonstration, which has been held for several years.
"We incorporate this event into two classes. One is catering and the other is the business of events management. The students in both classes come together to put on this event," Ulicney said,
The demonstration previously was hosted in Geneva before being moved to Niles.
Kyra Bradley of Richfield, a Kent student, crafted an Ohio State University ice sculpture. She said she works at a hotel and likes being able to work with people.
Lawrence Carter, Kent instructor and president of the hospitality advisory board, said it is important for hospitality students to have experience in ice sculpting.
"They get guidance not only from their instructors but professionals in the industry. They learn in a way they could not just learn in the classroom. Many bars like having ice sculptures or having them at events with the seafood," Carter said.
Mat Jacobson of Sharon, Pa., was among those watching the ice sculptors at work.
"If I had an ice pick, I would be helping. This is awesome. I learned about this yesterday," he said.