With continued funding by the Northampton Radio Group—broadcasters of WRSI The River, WHMP and Hits 94.3—and the energetic support of Arts Night Out and the City of Northampton, the sixth annual Northampton Ice Art Festival returns on Friday, February 12. The public is invited to experience thrills and chills as icy masterpieces take shape at eleven downtown locations. Work starts early on the day, and completed pieces highlight Northampton's "Arts Night Out,” 5pm-8pm. They remain on display, sharing the love, throughout the Valentine’s Day weekend—longer, if the weather cooperates. And it’s looking good!
Featured ice artists come from diverse backgrounds with different levels of experience and expertise. A number of them have participated in all of the festivals, including professional ice carver Joe Almeida plus Don Chapelle, founder of Boston’s “Brilliant Ice Sculpture,” who always creates a unique, and often interactive, piece in front of Thornes Marketplace. Work by master ice artist Eric Fontecchio will once again grace the terrace of the Eastside Grill.
A late addition to the group is professional ice carver Billy Poe who will be working in front of Eileen Fisher at 24 Pleasant Street, just around the corner from Florence Bank where Peter Dellert makes a fifth appearance this year. Versatile sculptor Matt Evald Johnson returns as does wood carver Nathan Peterson. The eclectic Maggie Nowinski debuts along with Florence painter Rob Kimmel.
A map of artists and their installation sites (see list below) is online at www.nohoarts.org and at many Arts Night Out locations. Additional maps are available during the event.
Ode, 263 Main Street: Maggie Nowinski
Memorial Hall, 240 Main Street: Joe Almeida
Inspirit Crystals, 219 Main Street: Joe Almeida
The Artisan Gallery, 162 Main Street: Nathan Peterson
Thornes Marketplace, 150 Main Street: Don Chapelle
J. Rich Clothing for Men/Cathy Cross, 151/153 Main Street: Matt Evald Johnson
Florence Savings Bank, 58 Main Street: Peter Dellert
Eileen Fisher, 24 Pleasant Street: Billy Poe*
William Baczek Fine Arts/Don Muller Gallery, 36/40 Main Street: Rob Kimmel
Eastside Grill, 19 Strong Avenue: Eric Fontecchio
Beehive Sewing Studio, 271 Pleasant Street: Joe Almeida
* Late addition. Not included on map.