The 2024 Newport Winter Festival festivities came to a close with the annual ice carving demonstration on Long Wharf Mall.
Present again this year are two ice carvers. Sean Skelly of Attleboro, MA, formerly from Newport, had been a chef here years ago and has been working with ice for decades. Sean created a pedestal with a vase on it. Sam Sannie of Easton, MA, has also been carving ice for decades and created two beautiful sculptures, a very detailed fish and a seal, beginning at 11 AM and finishing at 2 PM.
Each carver began with 2 slabs of ice each weighing about 300 pounds. The key was to carve away the unwanted parts leaving the desired artwork at the end. The artists used chain saws, hand saws, sanders and chisels to create their masterpieces. A crowd of onlookers was ever-present and many kids expressed their wish to be a carver one day.
People further enjoyed the demonstration with the Dunkin’ van present offering free coffee, donuts and other Dunkin’ gift items. Everyone appeared oblivious to the cold winter temperatures as they enjoyed the experience.
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Credit: Jack Casey/What’sUpNewp
