Ice is a temporary medium.  Unlike wood or stone which can be preserved almost indefinitely, ice will never be the same from one day to the next.  That's part of it's marvelous character.  As soon as an artist finishes the work, the ice begins to change.  In sub freezing temperatures it is already sublimating, and as the ambient temperature rises, like during spring thaw, it starts to melt.  The features bend and curve, what was once clear becomes cloudy, and what was once textured becomes a crystal clear lens.  

And so the status of the ice exhibits is that they have changed.  Yes, the melt has begun, but the exhibits remain up, protected by the trees, and even though they don't appear the same as the day they were finished, they still hold their beauty as they morph through spring.  The volunteers and artists onsite do what we can to preserve and slow down the effects of Springtime in Fairbanks, but we just can't hold back the weather.  In the end, it will all melt away, a memory but for the evidence left in photographs and good times recalled by all who participated in this year's events.  

We invite you to come visit us tomorrow, Thursday March 21, the UAF Nanooks will be here from 5:30 to 8:00 on the ice rink.  Kids are free, so bring your skates and meet your Nanooks!