Glenn Smith of Down Under Ice Designs will captivate art enthusiasts as they enjoy an opportunity to experience his rare talents in creating extraordinary and grand crystal masterpieces from humble blocks of ice. 

The festival will be held over the weekend of September 2 and 3 and will feature sculptures, live music, stall holders, art exhibition and ice sculpture demonstrations.

Event coordinator, Kim Kiss, said the event – now in its third year – attracts entries both locally and from surrounding towns. 

They include Wongarbon bronzer, Brett Darling, Don Bruce who took out last year’s People’s Choice with his horse-shoe sculptures, and renowned sculptor of Mudgee, Nigel White. 

“The schools put in class entries which is really cool, but it would be lovely to get more interest across the whole three sections – primary, secondary and opens,” she said.

Kim said the aim of the festival is to get the community and regional people out experiencing the arts.

The festival commences at 10am on the Saturday with sculpture and art exhibitions at Hermitage Hill Resort. The facility will also host the evening ice sculpting show with Glenn Smith will follow from 5.30pm with bar facilities and food available. 

Sunday’s program includes live music, stall holders, exhibitions and ice sculpture demonstrations between 10am and 4pm at the same location.

“Last year we brought international jazz musician James Morrison to town and because we’re across all the different art varieties we thought it’d be really cool to have an ice sculpture this year,” Kim said.

“He’s been incredibly helpful and he’s keen, so he’s coming up all the way from Melbourne.

“He uses power tools and chainsaws, so he’s an entertainer.” 

For more information head to www.wellingtonarts.org.au or call Kim Kiss on 0427 453 655.