This article originally appeared on The Northampton Center for the Arts Blog 

Thanks to an infusion of funds from 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, there will indeed be a Northampton Ice Art Festival. For the fifth time, the public is invited to share in thrills and chills as icy masterpieces take shape at a dozen downtown locations. Work starts at 10 am on the day, and completed pieces highlight Northampton's "Arts Night Out,” 5pm-8pm. They remain on display throughout the Valentine’s Day weekend—longer, if the weather cooperates.

Featured ice artists come from diverse backgrounds with different levels of experience and expertise. Several of them have participated in all of the festivals, including professional ice carver Joe Almeida, painter/sculptor Greg Stone, and Don Chapelle, founder of Boston’s “Brilliant Ice Sculpture” who always creates a unique piece in front of Thornes Marketplace.

Mixed media master Peter Dellert makes a third appearance this year. Versatile sculptors Tim de Christopher and Matt Evald Johnson return as does installation artist Chris Nelson. The eclectic Sally Curcio debuts along with wood carver Nathan Peterson and Royalston sculptor Tom Kellner. And yes—another V-One Ice Luge designed by professional ice artist Eric Fontecchio will grace the terrace of the Eastside Grill.

For a map showing the ice artists and their locations, CLICK HERE

"First Annual Northampton Ice Art Festival" by Sandra A. Pipczynski liscensed under CC BY 2.0