High Altitude Society: Vail’s Art in Public Places hosts Winterfest reception
VAIL — On Thursday, Sweet Basil Restaurant in Vail Village hosted artists, art appreciators, town of Vail personnel, Art in Public Places’ Molly Eppard and its board members and sponsors in a celebration of ice. Again, Triumph Partners has generously donated funds for this year’s Winterfest and ice sculpture installation, and Vail residents Kent and Vicki Logan matched the funds.
What this all means is that locals and guests can stroll along the Gore Creek Promenade and take in the beautiful ice and lighting installation titled “Riverscape” by artist Paul Wertin of Alpine Ice. When AIPP board member Amanda Zinn asked him about his inspiration, Wertin replied, “I took a trip to Peru and rafted down the main feed to the Amazon. I spent two weeks on the river sketching and it all came together.”
When asked about the effects of the warmer weather on his artwork, Wertin said, “The shapes have held together pretty well. Everything is still standing.”
The seasonal exhibit will be on display until the ice melts.
“Riverscape” incorporates 100 300-pound blocks of ice and the lighting that goes with it.
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“We moved 30,000 pounds of ice over nine days with hand trucks,” said Tim Wertin, Paul’s brother and assistant.
One thing is for sure, “Riverscape” is a sight to behold with its radiating colors and atmospheric evening appeal. Diners at the nearby restaurants, including Mountain Standard, Sweet Basil, Blu’s and Up the Creek, will surely be requesting a table by the window to view the exhibit.
Art in Public Places Coordinator Molly Eppard said, “Alpine Ice began installation on Dec. 22, in the heart of the holidays, so that all of our guests could enjoy ‘Riverscape.’”
Vail Town Council’s Margaret Rogers spoke to the group about the town’s involvement and her appreciation.
“The installations have really become a kind of staple of the Art in Public Places program and people have come to Vail looking forward to seeing the ice exhibit. So, thank you so much to all the partners.”
For more information, visit http://www.artinvail.org or call 970-479-2344.