Denali Arts Council gears up for Talkeetna Ice Festival

With the Talkeetna Ice Festival on the horizon, the Denali Arts Council hosted their annual ice carving class this past weekend.

The class saw the return of teacher Tommy Salami, a professional ice sculptor from Anchorage. This is the fourth year the council brought him in to teach.

Salami has sculpted with various mediums for years, but said ice is particularly special because it’s accessible.

He said, “You can make ice at your house, get a set of chisels for thirteen or fourteen bucks, and you’re in business.”

Salami’s class encouraged people to get involved with art and possibly participate in the upcoming ice carving competition during the Talkeetna Ice Festival.

With humble beginnings in 2022, the festival brings in larger crowds each year. Events such as live music and sled races have been added to the itinerary as the festival grows, but the ice carving competition remains the focus.

The Festival kicks off January 25th and will continue all week long until February 2nd.