Edwin Hutchison is one of the coolest state champions around. Hutchison, by winning several competitions including the South Carolina Ice Sculpture championship, qualified for the world championships held in Fairbanks, Alaska where his team finished ninth.
The two person team competition consisted of Edwin, Ice Age Ice Sculptures of Greenville owner and Brian Conners from their Charleston location. They spent 16 days in sub zero temperatures in Fairbanks.
The two-man single block competition had two categories, abstract or realistic. The design had to be carved from an 7,800-pound block of ice. Brian and Edwin chose to compete in the realistic category against 50 other teams.
Their carving was designed from an angel statue that Brian had purchased on a previous trip to Alaska. The piece “Connie’s Spirit”, was named in honor of Brian’s mother who recently passed.
A multi block competition was their second challenge against 23 other teams. They had 10, 4,600-pound blocks of ice to carve over a 6-day period. This carving team consisited of Edwin, Aubrey Newton, David Smith, and Karl Lundgren. Their theme was “Nature’s judge and jury”.
Edwin said it was important to create art that represented the team’s respect for nature.
Statewide congratulations came from family, friends and some politicians.
The team at Ice Age Ice Sculptures of Greenville is fundraising and seeking sponsorships for their next competition by contacting Leigh Ann at 864-610-0575.
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