Section A: OVERVIEW

A.1 ELIGIBILITY

The annual BP World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska, are sanctioned by the Association Internationale de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace (Snow and Ice).
Competitors must be sufficiently skilled to produce a sculpture to world class standards.

A-1.1 The BP World Ice Art Championships are open to qualified artists. They are accepted by ICE ALASKA on the basis of prior performance, designs drawings and artistic background.
A-1.1.1 Minimum age in Single Block and Multi-Block events is 15 at the starting time of the event. Parental permission is required for all entrants under 18.

A-1.2 Team acceptance will be made on a first-to-be considered basis.

A-2 EVENTS AND CATEGORIES

Summary: The annual BP World Ice Art Championships feature two events for world class sculptors: “Single Block Classic” and “Multi-Block Classic,” each in two categories, Realistic and Abstract. Two other events invite high school students and adult novices to explore the medium: The “Frances and Clarence G. Beers Youth Classic,” and the “Amateur Open Exhibition” a non-competitive event. All events will take place at the Ice Park of ICE ALASKA in Fairbanks, Alaska in late February and early March.

A-2.2 Event #2: The Multi-Block Classic of the BP World Ice Art Championships will follow with 25 sculpture spaces available to teams of two to four members. Each team will sculpt 10 blocks of ice, each measuring approximately 6’ x 4’ x 3’ (182cm x 121cm x 91cm), over a period of 132 hours (5 1/2 days), starting on the Sunday after the Single Block Classic.
Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday following the end of the competition.

A-2.3 Event #3: The Amateur Open Exhibition, with 20 spaces, runs for 16 ½ days beginning the last Wednesday in February. Participants come and go as their schedule allows and need not be present the entire time. Each team receives one block of ice, approximately 4’x 5’x 3’ (121cm x 152cm x 91cm). Participants, 16 years of age and under, must have a parent or parent-approved adult as their team member. Parental permission is required for all entrants under the age of 18.
There will be a Recognition Ceremony on the Saturday following the end of the event.

A-2.4 Event #4: The Frances and Clarence G. Beers Youth Classic makes 10 spaces available to teams of one or two high school students, grades 9 through 12. Parental permission is required for all entrants under the age of 18. Each team receives one block of ice, approximately 4’x 5’x 3’ (121cm x 152 cm x 91cm) to be sculpted over a period of four days. The competition will start at 9 a.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the Fairbanks North Star School District Spring Break and end at 6 p.m. on the following Friday.
The Awards Ceremony will take place one day after the end of the competition, on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

A-2.5 There are two Categories in each of the Single and Multi-Block Events: Abstract and Realistic.
A-2.5.1 The Abstract Category shall feature sculptures where the primary focus and visual impression of the piece are non-representational, highly stylized, or made up of symbolic shapes or forms. The treatment may focus on the chosen theme, on movement or meaning creatively expressed by the form(s) or simply the aesthetic appeal of each form itself. The work may contain some elements that are realistically rendered, but these may not be the primary focus of the piece.
A-2.5.2 In the Realistic Category, sculptures render recognizable objects realistically for the primary focus and visual impression of the piece. These objects may be real or imaginary. The theme of the work itself need not be realistic, but may be allegorical or intended to convey abstract ideas or qualities. The work may contain some abstract elements, but these may not be the primary focus of the piece.

A-3 SAFETY RULES

A-3.1 Each participant is responsible for his or her own safety as well as the safety of others in or near their site. (See also C-3: Protective Gear.)
A-3.1.1 Each participant must sign a hold-harmless statement excusing ICE ALASKA from all liability for potential injuries including death, theft or damage to personal gear and equipment.

A-3.2 If the height of the sculpture will be greater than the distance to the spectator’s path, the construction must be adequately designed to ensure the integrity of the unit and safety of the spectators. (See also paragraph C-1.3.)

A-3.3 Construction may be temporarily halted if and when a safety issue arises, by discretion of either the Sculpting Support Coordinator, the Safety and Security Director, or the Chairman of ICE ALASKA, referred to as the Event Safety Panel . Construction may only be restarted with the majority agreement of the Event Safety Panel or approval of three Ice Alaska board members.

A-4 ENTRY FEES AND DEADLINES

A-4.2 The Frances and Clarence G. Beers Youth Classic entrants require no entry fee or tuition.
Deadline for Application and Drawing: The day before the event or March 11, 2012.

A-4.3 Amateur Open Exhibition applications require the design drawing, the biography of each artist and the Entry Fee of $75 due the day before you start the event AND, before that, a Safe Sculpting Orientation Session.
A-4.3.1 The $75 Entry Fee will be waived if at least one team member has taken a 2012 Season ICE ALASKA Ice Sculpting Class.
A-4.3.2 The 2012 ICE ALASKA Ice Sculpting Class is strongly encouraged, but not required, for all Novices before they start this Event. The non-refundable $75 Tuition Fee for this class allows you to sculpt in the 2012 Amateur Open Exhibition for no additional cost. Sculpting Classes are scheduled for every weekend in January, February and March, 2012, but check to be sure there is room. E-mail Hoa Brickley, Ice Alaska Business manager: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at (907) 388-6388 to arrange to take a class.
A-4.3.3 The Amateur Open Safety Orientation Session will occur when you receive your site assignment.

A-5 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Summary: Anonymous juries of qualified artists and other art specialists shall evaluate all entries in each of the BP World Ice Art Championships' Classic events. Winners and ranking of all sculptures of both Classic competitions shall be determined by a calculation of points judges award to each sculpture along criteria spelled out in Section H. Winners and the top nine ranking places in both Classic competitions will be announced at awards ceremonies listed with time and place in the Events Schedule.

A-5.1 JUDGES’ CHOICE Awards for Single Block Classic and Multi-Block Classic competitions:
A-5.1.1 Regardless of Category, the SB and MB ten highest jury scores will be awarded the ten prizes in each Classic.1st place Gold medal and top $ award. The second highest score will be 2nd place and receive the Silver medal and 2nd place cash award etc. The top five teams medals and cash awards. Each member of a winning team will receive an individual award.
A-5.1.2 Places 6 through 10th will receive cash awards only.
A-5.1.3 Every competitor will receive immediately after the awards ceremony a list showing the ranking of all teams in their event and a copy of all judge’s points and comments awarded just to their own sculpture. all judge’s points and comments awarded just to their own sculpture.

A-5.2 ADDITIONAL AWARDS

A-6 COMPETITORS’ DUTIES AND PERKS

A-6.1 TRAVEL:
A-6.1.1 Travel to and from Fairbanks Alaska is the responsibility of each sculptor. Arrival should be one day before competition begins. As to departure date: The State of Alaska welcomes all visitors, but free accommodations by ICE ALASKA end on the morning after the Awards Ceremony.
A-6.1.2 ICE ALASKA will provide local transportation to and from the Fairbanks Airport for out-of-town sculptors and to and from accommodations.
A-6.1.3 ICE ALASKA will provide assistance to foreign teams when necessary with entry and exit visas to the United States. Foreign Sculptors are advised to contact ICE ALASKA as early as possible for such assistance at addresses listed below in B-2.3.

A-6.2 ROOM AND BOARD: Some of the artists will be housed on site. Most of the artists will be housed at a local hotel.  The Westmark, Alpine Lodge and Comfort Inn are close and have set aside rooms for us to house the participating artists. Ice Alaska site plans includes artists housing which will soon house all artists on site.

A-6.2.1 ICE ALASKA will provide accommodations for all Single Block Classic, Multi-Block Classic and Youth Classic competitors who live more than 15 miles from the Ice Park beginning the night of Final Registration to the night following the Awards Ceremony.
A-6.2.1.1 Competitors must pay their own personal expenses, i.e. room service, bar, alcoholic beverages, long-distance phone calls at the hotel, etc.
A-6.2.2 ICE ALASKA will provide meals from noon the day before competition begins when Final Registration takes place through breakfast the day after the awards for the respective competition are announced.
A-6.2.3 ICE ALASKA will provide snacks: fruit, pastries and hot and cold beverages around the clock.
A-6.2.4 Warm-up and clothes-drying areas will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A-6.2.5 ICE ALASKA will provide Computers to view the web site and to follow web camera views that record the work-in-progress.

A-6.3 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:

A-6.3.1 ICE ALASKA will provide for each site: Electric power (120 volts, 60 hertz in 8 outlets or two boxes), 3 lights, 4 extension cords, 2 sets of scaffolding, 1 work bench (2 saw horses and 2 planks), and 2 five gallon buckets. (The Single Block and Multi-Blocks teams can ask for more supplies if needed.)
A-6.3.2 ICE ALASKA will provide a barrel of tempered water for each neighborhood of sites throughout the competition.
A-6.3.3 ICE ALASKA will provide heavy equipment and operator for moving and stacking the ice before the events and during Multi-Block events.
A-6.3.4 Sculptors must provide or rent their own sculpting tools.
A-6.3.5 The Ice Park Saw Bus will rent and also sharpen large and small chain saws, gas powered or electric, and sculpting chisels.

A-6.4 INSURANCE:

A-6.4.1 Sculptors are responsible for their own medical, accident, or theft insurance.
A-6.4.2 ICE ALASKA is NOT responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the participant’s property, or for any injuries including death to the participant.

A-6.5 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL:

A-7 OWNERSHIP :

When completed, all sculptures become the property of ICE ALASKA, which retains exclusive rights to the sculptures and may use any pictures, photographs, videos or reproductions in any commercial application. Others interested in the use of the ice sculptures for commercial purposes must receive written approval for that use form ICE ALASKA. All competition sculptures shall remain at the Ice Park for the duration of the time the Ice Park is open.

Section B: APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION

B-1 TO APPLY FOR THE EVENT OF YOUR CHOICE

B-1.1 Click on your Choice

B-1.1.1 Teams may change team members, if necessary, and change the pertinent application data during Final Registration, on the day prior to the event. There is no penalty connected to such a change.
B-1.2 Deadlines of application, bios of all team members, design drawing and fee:
• Single Block Classic – Deadline January 22, 2012, with a $100 per team entry fee.
• Multi-Block Classic - Deadline January 22, 2012, with a $100 per team entry fee.
• Amateur Open - Deadline March 12, 2012, with a $75 per team entry fee or Ice Sculpting Class.
• Frances and Clarence G Beers Youth Classic - Deadline March 12, 2012, NO entry fee.

B-1.3 ICE ALASKA Business Manager, Hoa Brickley processes the payment of entry fee and accepts credit cards, checks or money orders. All payments must be received by the deadline to avoid late fees. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis by contacting Hoa Brickley by phone or e-mail as noted above. All fees must be paid by credit card, check or money order or cash if hand carried to Ice Park.

Entry Fee Payment 
Check or Money Order
Mailed or Delivered to Ice Park
(or arrange with Hoa Brickley, Business Manager for late payment)

• To: Hoa Brickley, Business Manager
  Phone 907-388-6388; E-mail - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Mailing Address: ICE ALASKA, PO Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708
• or delivered to Ice Park, 3050 Phillips Field Road (off Peger Road), Fairbanks, Alaska.

B-1.3.1 If you miss the deadline, we still may accept your application if space if available and with an additional $50 late fee assessment.

B-1.4 Design drawings, either as rough sketch or final version, should be sent by the deadline to

• Mailed: ICE ALASKA, PO Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (all events),
• E-Mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (for Single Block or Multi-Block), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or YouthClassic@icealaska.com (for those events).
• Faxed to (907) 456-1951
• Delivered to ICE PARK, 3050 Phillips Field Road (off Peger Road), Fairbanks, Alaska.

B-1.4.1 Design drawings, whether rough sketch or final versions, must be of the same design. The final versions are for publication in posters and signs next to the sculpture, by the artists during the carving, and by ICE ALASKA after finish.
B-1.4.2 Late changes in design ideas must be submitted by e-mail or in hardcopy before the start of the event to Dick Brickley, Chairman - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

B-1.5 Biographies of each team member should be sent by the deadline to:

• Mailed: ICE ALASKA, PO Box 83134, Fairbanks, AK 99708 (all events),
• E-Mailed: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (for Single Block or Multi-Block), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (for those events).
• Faxed to (907) 456-1951
• Delivered to ICE PARK, 3050 Phillips Field Road (off Peger Road), Fairbanks, Alaska.
These Bios, listing up-to-date artistic background, may be published in ICE ALASKA souvenir booklets and on posters next to the finished sculptures. Bios should not exceed 50 words.

B-1.6 For assistance with U.S. Visitors Visas contact ICE ALASKA as early as possible.
B-1.7 It is advisable to keep a copy of all submitted data.

B-2 FINAL REGISTRATION

SECTION C: GENERAL INFORMATION

C-1 SITE AND COMPETITION PROCEDURES

C-1.3 Sunshine eats ice sculptures even while they look so pretty. Shade provided by erected “sun screens,” black curtains or panels, and/or nearby trees will extend the pristine appearance of the sculptures IF the sculptures are positioned in the shaded areas. ICE ALASKA will mark the best location for the base of your intended sculpture. The sun screens provide effective photo backgrounds for all to enjoy the sculptures until the Ice Park finally closes.

C-1.4 Teams must keep their sculpting sites clean. They are required to remove the ice chips and place them outside their site. ICE ALASKA volunteers then will be responsible for removing the chips. Cleanliness of the work site is an important safety consideration, and the Site Official may at his or her discretion declare any site unsafe and require the team to stop work until the deficiency is corrected.

C-1.5 Teams are responsible for selecting the color(s), number and placement of lights for their sculpture within the time of the competition. Lights, colored gels and power cords will be provided by ICE ALASKA.

C-1.5.1 For the purpose of judging, only 3 white lights are allowed for each Single Block site, and up to 7 white lights to each Multi-Block site.

C-1.5.2 The colored gels will be installed by ICE ALASKA volunteers the day after the judging and will illuminate the sculptures every night until the Ice Park closes.

C-1.6 At the end of the official competition time, teams may not shape their sculpture or landscape its base area any more in any way or manner, but they have another 90 minutes to build optional stanchions and optional barrier pillars, clean up the further perimeter of the work area, adjust their lights, remove their tools and make their empty work benches and scaffolds available to ICE ALASKA volunteers for removal.

C-1.7 Team members shall not be present at their site during the judging.

C-2 OPTIONAL PROCEDURES:

C-2.2 Teams may construct ice pillars along the visitors’ path on which barrier material (ropes or tapes) can be placed by ICE ALASKA volunteers. ICE ALASKA will make the final determination as to the safe distance for spectator viewing on the sculptures and correct placement of the barriers.

C-2.3 Teams may construct an ice stanchion or marker for displaying their design drawing and optional explanations of their sculpture.

C-3 GEAR, CLIMATE AND FACILITIES:

C-3.1 Clothing for sculpting should be good for temperatures from +40 F (+50C) to -40 F (-40C). Fairbanks, Alaska, always a great place to visit, can have still extreme temperatures during the month of March.

C-3.2 The air is mostly dry and there is much sunshine. Skin cream and sun block are recommended. Watertight, insulated boots and gloves are a necessity. Safety Glasses, or at least sunglasses are protection from sun as well as flying ice chips.

C-3.3 Great care needs to be taken with the various power tools on slippery surfaces. Sobriety from drugs and alcohol is a must, but also a rhythm of rest and work, plenty of liquids and frequent energy snacks are as recommended as are ear protectors (against noise as well as cold) and special chainsaw pants with ballistic nylon inserts.

SECTION D. SINGLE BLOCK CLASSIC - BP WORLD ICE ART CHAMPIONSHIPS

D-1 SCHEDULE:

• Deadline for Application, Entry Fee, Drawing and all Bios: January 22, 2012;
• Optional Early Final Registration for locals: Sunday, February 26, 2012, Noon to 5 p.m.;
• Final Registration: Monday, February 27, 2012, Noon to 5 p.m.;
• Welcome-the-Sculptors Social and Safety Meeting: Monday 7-9 p.m.;
• Repositioning of the ice block on your site: After site assignment but before Tues. 9 a.m.
• Competition  - Tues. 9 a.m. – Thurs. 9 p.m.;
• Judging: Thursday starting at 10:30 p.m.
• Awards Ceremony: Friday 8 p.m.
• End of Free Accommodations: Saturday, March 3 (unless a Multi-Block Classic participant)
(See Sections A and B, above, for more details)

D-1.1 Sculptors arriving by air will be met at the Airport by volunteers and taken to their accommodations.

D-1.2 Final Registration will include Site Assignment. Site Selection is done prior to final registration by a committee composed of three persons (Sculptors Committee Representative, Sculptors Support Office Representative, and the Chairman of ICE ALASKA).

D-1.2.1 Sculpture sites vary somewhat in shape and size. The minimum size is 15’ x 15’ (4.6m x 4.6m). For adjusting the block position on your site before the start of competition, see D-2, below.

D-1.3 Welcome-the-Sculptors Social and Safety Briefing will start at 7 p.m. at the Ice Park.

D-1.4 The competition last 60 hours (2 ½ days) and end Thursday at 9 p.m. (Please check Section C for Required and Optional Procedures.)

D-1.5 Sculptures, under up to 3 white lights positioned by the artists, will be judged starting at 10:30 p.m. Thursday. (See Judging criteria, Section H, below.) Teams shall not be present during the judging.

D-1.6 Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony Friday 8 p.m. at the Ice Park. (See Awards, A-5, above.)

D-2 YOUR BLOCK OF ICE

D-2.2 One vertical block of ice will be placed in most sites by the time of final registration. However one or two sites will have a prepositioned horizontal block of ice. You may have your block repositioned and/or re-oriented any time after Final Registration and before the start of the competition.

D-2.3 Site assignments are selected before Final registration by a committee composed of three people: the Chairman of ICE ALASKA, someone from the Sculptors Support Office, and someone from the Sculptors Committee. Sculptors are notified at Final Registration of their assigned site.

D-2.4 Sculptors may ask ICE ALASKA personnel to reposition their ice prior to the start of competition on a first-come, first-served basis. (See Safety and Conservation issues at A-3.2 and C-1.3, above.)

SECTION E: MULTI-BLOCK CLASSIC BP WORLD ICE ART CHAMPIONSHIPS

Summary: The Multi-Block Classic of the BP World Ice Art Championships will follow with 25 sculpture spaces available to teams of two to four members. Each team will sculpt 10 blocks of ice, each measuring approximately 6’ x 4’ x 3’ (182cm x 121cm x 91cm), over a period of 132 hours (5 ½ days), starting on the Sunday after the Single Block Classic.
Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday following the end of the competition.

E-1 SCHEDULE:

• Deadline for Application, Entry Fee, Drawing and all Bios: January 22, 2012;
• Final Registration: Saturday, March 3, 2012, Noon to 5 p.m.;
• Welcome-the-Sculptors Social and Safety Meeting: Saturday 6-10 p.m.;
• Competition: Sunday, 9 a.m. – Friday, 9 p.m.;
• Judging: Friday starting at 10:30 p.m.
• Awards Ceremony: Saturday 8 p.m.
• End of Free Accommodations: Sunday, March 11, 2012.
(See Sections A and B, above, for more details.)

E-1.1 Sculptors arriving by air will be met at the Airport by volunteers and taken to their accommodations.

E-1.2 Final Registration for teams (maximum of four members) includes Site Assignment.
(See B-4.1 for more details.)

E-1.3 Welcome-the-Sculptors Social and Safety Briefing will be held Saturday 6-10 p.m. at the Ice Park.

E-1.4 Sculptures, under up to 7 white lights positioned by the artists, will be judged starting at 10:30 p.m. Friday. (See Judging criteria, Section H, below.) Teams shall not be present during the judging.

E-1.5 Awards Ceremony starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday following the last day of competition.
(See Awards, A-5, above.)

E-2 YOUR TEN BLOCKS OF ICE

E-2.1 Each team will receive 10 blocks of ice, each approximately 6’x 4’x 3’ (182cm x 121cm x 91cm).

E-2.2 The natural ice thickness of 3’ may vary slightly. One of the 5’ x 8’ surfaces is usually crusted with 3” (8cm) of icy and opaque snow. ICE ALASKA will try to inform sculptors by e-mail and on the web site of the actual thickness of the harvested ice.

E-2.3 Each team will have a designated area in which to build their sculpture. The area will measure approximately 30 feet wide by 35 feet deep. Each site is a rectangular in shape with tall trees in the back of the site, and 40 ft. trailers on each side which act as morning sun screens for the morning sun; the trees will protect from the afternoon sun. The Ice Alaska logistical crew will pre-stage the following equipment at each site. 5 full sets of scaffolding, with 4 planks. (More scaffolding can be requested during the final registration procure). Work lights, buckets, extension cords, shovels, water barrels, planks and saw horses will be on site as described in A-6.3 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS.

E-2.4 The 10 blocks will be waiting at the site. 3 blocks will placed in the back portion of the space

E-2.6 Each team may have the option of replacing up to two blocks if ICE ALASKA has extra ice available. Ice is a natural material and no two pieces are exactly alike. The teams should anticipate using the natural character of the ice to their advantage.

E-2.7 Only ICE ALASKA heavy equipment operators will provide assistance in moving and placing the blocks before or after they are sculpted, as desired by the artists.

SECTION F. AMATEUR OPEN EXHIBITION

Summary: The Amateur Open Exhibition, with 20 spaces, runs for 16 ½ days beginning the last Wednesday in February. Participants come and go as their schedule allows and need not be present the entire time. Each team receives one block of ice, approximately 4’x 5’x 3’ (121cm x 152cm x 91cm). Participants, 16 years of age and under, must have a parent or parent-approved adult as their team member. Parental Permission is required for all entrants under the age of 18.
There will be a Recognition Ceremony on the Saturday, March 17, 8, p.m. following the end of the event.

F-1 SCHEDULE:

• 2012 Exhibition Period is anytime between February 29 and March 16.
• Application accepted anytime until March 11 on a space available basis.
• Entry fee - $75 (Fee will be waived if Novice took an ICE ALASKA Sculpting Class in the 2012 season.)
• Final Registration is flexible: but must occur by the day before you wish to start sculpting.
• Recognition Ceremony: Saturday, March 17 at 8:00 p.m. at the Ice Park
(See also Sections A and B, above, for more details.)

F-2 ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION:

F-2.1 The Amateur Open Exhibition is available to anyone who wishes to explore Ice as a sculpting medium. Sculptors determine their own sculpting schedule within the open period.

F-2.2 Teams are composed of 1-2 people. There is no minimum age. However sculptors under 16 years of age must have a parent or parent-approved adult as their team member. Participants under 18 years of age must have written parental permission.

F-2.3 New sculptors are encouraged to take an Ice Sculpting Class before they enter this event. Classes are held during Dec., Jan. and early Feb. Class costs $75.00. (Note: this fee also covers your Amateur Open Entry Fee).

F-2.4 All Amateur Open sculptors must sign a liability waiver at Final Registration.

F-2.5 Applications, liability waivers, drawings and bios must be turned in before you start sculpting your ice.

F-3 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:

F-3.1 Each team receives one ice block approximately 4’ x 5’ x 3’ (121cm x 152cm x 91cm) in a working area of about 9’ x 9’ (3m x 3m).
F-3.1.1 ICE ALASKA provides 1 work table, 1 shovel, 1 water bucket, 2 power cords, 2 lights, and 1 entry/meal pass per team member. Lunch, dinner, and snacks are provided on days you actually sculpt.

F-3.2 Sculptors provide or rent their own tools. Chisels and chain saws can be purchased locally or rented from ICE ALASKA at the “Blue Bus.”

SECTION G. FRANCE & CLARENCE G. BEERS YOUTH CLASSIC

G-1- SCHEDULE:

G- 2 ELIGIBILITY:

G 2-1 Parental Consent, and Safety Release forms are required for a contestant to compete.
G-2.1.1 For students under 18, a parent or legal guardian must either sign their student's consent forms in person at Final Registration or make other arrangements.

G-2.2 One pass, for free entry into the park, will be made available to a parent or legal guardian for each sculptor.

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G-3 YOUR BLOCK OF ICE:

G-3.1 All ice blocks will have been positioned by ICE ALASKA before teams draw their site. Teams may ask ICE ALASKA personnel to reposition them if they like.

G-4 TOOLS:

ICE ALASKA will provide a tool kit for each sculpting team. The tool kit includes: 2 ice chisels, 2 sawhorses and two 2” x 10” x 8’ boards, 1 bucket, 1 shovel, 1 sled, 2 extension cords and 2 working lights for each team.

G-4.2 Other hand tools may be bought and used by the contestants.

G-4.3 Use of electric tools is limited to dremels, irons, and heat guns. These and other specialized non-electric tools will be available to the sculptors for use in the competition.

SECTION H - JUDGING CRITERIA

(For all competitions of the World Ice Art Championships – See also Section A-5, above)
As with opaque materials like stone and wood sculptures in the round, a long standing ICE ALASKA Rule requires freestanding ice sculptures to be sculpted and judged on all sides, including the back which only the judges but no spectator ever gets to see.  However, ice sculptors and designers are reminded that they are creating transparent and/or clear art works for a visiting public to view and photograph.  “Transparent” means that all sculpted details will be visible on the opposite side as in a superimposed X-ray image.  “Clear” means that sun or flood lights create serendipitous highlights and sparkles in photographs and to the naked eye.

When scoring, judges can use a variety of reference points to assist them in scoring different pieces more consistently.  An excellent score would be in the 9’s with the mid-point being 9.5.  Any score in the 9.0 to 10 range should be considered a Gold medal effort, an “A” or an “Excellent” sculpture.  For a “Very Good” sculpture the score should range between 8.0 and 8.9 and be considered a “B” effort or Silver medal.  A “Good” sculpture would earn a grade of “C” or a Bronze medal and be given a score of between 7.0 and 7.9.

H-1 TECHNICAL CRITERIA:

H-1.1  Precision: This refers to how accurately elements of the sculpture are sculpted. For example, how repeated elements resemble each other, how well pieces are fitted together, or how completely all waste material is removed.

H-1.2  Proportion: This refers to how different parts or areas of the sculpture relate to one another in terms of scale, and ratios.  Keep in mind that it may be the artist’s intent to vary segments to convey a message.  If this appears to be the intent, you should not deduct points for this effect, and may even chose to give points depending on its effectiveness.

Proportions for all objects must be consistent and accurate in order to be in the 9s.  Minor proportion variance should be in the 8s, with more substantial proportion variances being scored in the 7s.  Disproportion in a sculpture should be scored below a 7.  Proportionalities should not be limited to just the individual object, but the sculpture as a whole.

Since we have a much more critical eye for objects we are familiar with, such as the human body, or commonly seen objects such as geometric shapes, they should be given higher scores since they will innately be judged more critically.

H-1.3  Degree of difficulty: This score measures whether the sculpture as completed is a challenging project for an experienced professional ice sculptor. The factors considered here are usually those of fragility, physical balance, and the structural limitations of the ice.  The complexity of the technique and skill needed to do the work, may be affected by the available tools, weather conditions, and/or time limitations.

A score in the 9's would be given to sculptures who have demonstrated extensive techniques and skills in the completion of the structure.  This may be in the form of attachments of the ice in non –horizontal angles, gravity defying structure, complex shapes, or intricate surfaces.  A score in the 8's would be given to sculptures where the artist has demonstrated multiple techniques and skills in the completion of the structure. A score in the 7's would be given to sculptures where the artist has demonstrated limited techniques and skills in the completion of the structure.

H-1.4  Finish: This refers to the final treatment of the surfaces of the sculpture. Does the finish look sloppy or refined?  They can be smooth and polished, clear, frosted, or textured (satin, pebbled, bubbled, grainy, etc.). Whichever is the case, the uniformity and diligence with which the sculptors carry out their apparent intent should be considered.

A score in the 9s would be an excellent sculpture that should have a smooth, shiny, and clear finished surface free of any snow dust, slush, shavings, dirt, or other foreign materials, and should show off the special quality of the Ice Alaska Ice.  A very good sculpture would be a score in the 8s, and should have a smooth, shiny, and clear finished surface with a negligible amount of snow dust, slush, shavings, tool tracks, drip marks, or other foreign materials.  A score in the 7's would be given to sculptures with a moderate amount of snow dust, slush, shavings, drip marks, tool tracks, or other foreign materials.  A score of 6.9 or less would be given to a sculpture with unfinished, rough cut surfaces with excessive snow dust, slush, shavings, or other foreign materials.

Rough, frosty, or non-clear finish where intentionally appropriate to the design and theme should be taken into consideration and not detract from the score.

H-2 ARTISTIC CRITERIA:

H-2.4  Expression of emotion: This is the extent to which the sculpture can be expected to evoke an emotional response in the viewer.  The type of emotion is unimportant, but the intensity or level of emotion is important.

H-3 JUDGING CONDITIONS:

H-3.2  The identities of the sculptors are no secret to the judges. Sculptors do not need to hide their names in signed sculptures or optional statements before judging time. They have been on display and in conversation all through the sculpting days.

H-3.3  If a sculpture crashes during judging, and it has been judged by at least 3 judges, the scores will be averaged for the final score.  If there are at least 5 judges, it will be handled normally.  Judges will not judge the sculpture after it has fallen.  If fewer than 3 judges have scored the sculpture, it will be considered incomplete and disqualified.