Moody Gardens presents artistry on ice
Ice Land is back at Moody Gardens this season, with colored ice sculptures depicting scenes and animals from the north and south poles. The works of art, inside a 28,000-square-foot tent kept at nine degrees Fahrenheit, are created by the internationally-acclaimed CAA Ruijing Ice Carving Team from Harbin, China. Guests receive a parka upon entering the exhibit, which is returned upon exit.
Work on Ice Land, back for the fifth season, is done in phases throughout the year. About two million pounds of ice are created beginning in February, and stored until the end of September before they are transported to Moody Gardens. The ice blocks are made using reverse osmosis to ensure clarity, and tempera paint and milk are used to add a variety of vibrant colors.
“When the master ice carvers arrive, they begin creating intricate ice sculptures in stunning detail with ice picks and chainsaws,” said Kevin Aguilar, public relations coordinator at Moody Gardens. “Penguins, whales, seals and snowy owls are just a few of the animals that will be featured inside the exhibit, and even Santa and his reindeer make an appearance.”
The exhibit also features the 30-foot Glacier Ice Slide, made entirely out of ice, that children and adults can slide down. There’s also Shivers Ice Bar, also constructed entirely out of ice, that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Qui Guanghui is team captain for about 28 master ice carvers from the CAA Ruijing Ice Carving Team who have come to work on the exhibit. He learned the craft at a young age, and was inspired to work in the trade by one of the largest outdoor ice and snow festivals in Harbin, his hometown.
“There is a very long history for people in my city to celebrate the holidays with ice sculptures,” Guanghui said. “Most of our professional carvers started to learn how to carve ice sculptures in elementary school, and I am one of them.”
Because the sculptures are made out of ice and are not easy to preserve, Guanghui said carving makes for a challenge and requires a lot of work. The amount of time to complete a piece depends on size and details, but on average, takes four to eight hours.
“Texas is so warm, so it’s very unique to see a large-scale display of so many ice sculptures,” he said. “Coming to Ice Land will be a very educational and memorable way to celebrate the holidays, especially for kids.”