Folks are still talking about the ice sculptures that George Ferro, a manager in dining services, created for the College's holiday party last month.
Ferro, who became interested in the art form over the last few years, carved out a striking ensemble – a bear, a tree, a snowman, a penguin and a fish — that added an artistic elegance to the event. The sculptures also drew appreciative looks in the Olin courtyard, where they took up residence after the party.
Each took between two and four hours to create with tools ranging from an electric chainsaw to a set of chisels designed especially for ice carving. Ice carvers use a special “clarified” ice that has been frozen with a minimum of air bubbles, and know that ice is most workable at or above freezing, Ferro said.
For his work, Ferro received a “U Are a Treasure” award and donated his gift certificate at B.J.'s Wholesale Club to Bethesda House, which provides meals for the needy.
Typically modest, Ferro said, “My efforts were only a small part of the staff's team effort that went into the party.” Having the event in Upperclass Dining (instead of the usual Dutch Hollow) allowed Dining Services staff “extra time to strut our stuff and express our creativity,” he added.
Until a few years ago, Dining Services contracted ice carvers for about a half dozen events per year, said Steve Pearse, director. Ferro would watch the carvers and began to absorb some of tricks of the trade. Now, Pearse says, it's nice to have someone on staff who has become so proficient. “Sometimes, I wish I had paid attention too,” Pearse said.
Next week, as part of Winter Carnival, students will turn a “Stonehenge” of ice blocks around the Nott into ice sculptures of their own. The best design will be placed at the center table at the dance. On the judging panel: George Ferro, of course.