An ice way to spend a day in Downers Grove

It all started as a plain old slab of ice.

Using tools that ranged from chain saws to ice picks, Tim Hiser turned it into much more of that. With ice shavings flying at onlookers, Hiser carved the slab into a work of art.

In the end, the crowd marveled at the frozen swan, a cool piece that sparkled in the sunlight. This was not a demonstration in one of Hiser's studios. Instead, Hiser did his work on the streets of downtown Downers Grove Sunday during the city's annual Ice Fest.

"I love every second of it, man," Hiser said of his newfound medium. "Just the way it looks when it's done. You can do so much more with ice."

Hiser has been into art since high school and really honed his skill at culinary school. About two months ago, Hiser began ice sculpture, which he said was better than food carving because it allows for more possibilities.

When the company he works for, World Class Ice Sculptures in Villa Park, entered into the Downers Grove festival, he attended because he said creating in front of a crowd and receiving live feedback is more rewarding than creating in a studio.

"If you do art and nobody sees it, what's the point?" he said. "Art is meant to be shown. It definitely gives you a sense of accomplishment."

The two-day festival saw Hiser and other sculptors create works of art with a Valentine's Day or Winter Olympics theme. As residents walked the streets of downtown Downers Grove, they were greeted by a chilly Cupid, two love-struck penguins and even Popeye and Olive Oyl.

Shannon Duda from nearby Westmont showed her dog, Hurley, the creations. As she walked by, she said she was in awe of the artists.

"I think it's amazing the talent and patience it must take to make these," she said. "One wrong move and it would break."

Hiser said the festival in Downers Grove is a great place to show off their skills. The best part, he said, is when his finished work is appreciated.

"When they can actually tell what it is, it makes me feel good," he said with a laugh. "But this is what it is for, it's for the kids. It's a spectator sport."