Today I counted four gloves, on separate sidewalks, abandoned for spring. We spent the day packing and leave tomorrow for Minneapolis. On Wednesday, the west coast. The wall is down, and I don't want to glance at its destruction, or note its absence on the promenade.
On Friday, our Dear Chicago poet Jessie (from Intelligentsia) read us a poem as we gathered with our candles. From the City of Chicago, Jason Moy had come to say goodbye. He has been wonderful.
Neil Spears was there, and friends, many friends we've made during our two and a half month stay. Jake & Alberta were there with a poem and a card.
Greetings, Gordon, Caitlin, Sons and all PBZ Ice Wall connection. Thank you from the heart and soul of Chicago. This poem, "A fire for you" is dedicated to all. Eternal, Jake & Alberta.
Lois Roelf's husband spoke on behalf of the people of Chicago, and Tim gave a stirring speech.
We were just making it up, on the spot, like they do at wakes. How it touched us, how we loved it, how we will miss the colors and the crowds on the promenade.
We hugged each other, as much in celebration as clinging to our connection, forged in ice. Spring was in the air as the light drained from the sky.
Although only a month on display, I couldn't imagine Chicago without it: the wall, the ice, the colors, just so.
Photo credits: Colleen Duke, Caitlin Hicks, Patrick Pyszka
Next: Last words, new friends, a squash tourney, a reading, a reception, Aldo -- and many thanks.
The new recruit. An interdisciplinary artist with a passion for art, music and mystery, Ari also has production skills. Fascinated by spirals, fractals and other patterns of growth, Ari loves watching ice crystals form... and of course, lugging around refrigeration plates. He's our guide to Chicago and has managed to fix up a previously mangled bicycle, which he rides everywhere.
Katie has a BA in Fine Art from University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She has passion for creating ceramic sculpture and enjoys oil painting, traveling and yoga, as well as Chicago's "offerings of art & culture." Although she answers whenever anyone calls "Katie" (there are 3 interns names Katie) she's an enthusiastic worker, and a welcome addition to 
Matt is an artist, bicyclist, disc jockey, self-taught keyboardist and photographer who likes to write. This is his first 
Katelyn recently moved to Chicago from Michigan, and works as a paintings assistant for artist Tim Lowly. She has a BFA in Painting, & a BA in Art Education (Western Michigan University). An artist who paints, Katie also plays violin with a number of groups in the Chicago area. She's new to 
Katie Louise Williams really likes ice. She grew up making ice rinks in her yard, playing hockey, staring at frosty grass, and, eventually, driving a Zamboni. The project has been one of her favorite experiences with both ice and Canadians. She rides her bike everywhere. When its warmer she's a vegetable farmer.
Technical crew. Laura is new to 
This is Jaz’s third installation with Paintings Below Zero. Jaz brings a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design from Emily Carr College to the project. A fanatic of typefaces, Jaz designed & produced the artbook on the Italy installation, created the flash web site from scratch: paintingsbelowzero.com, designed a full page ad in Modern Painters (Feb 2008 ) & numerous smaller design projects for 
Raised in Calgary, Winnipeg, Nairobi, and Boston, Erik is an artist and graphic designer, (Bachelor of Design Emily Carr, 2005), who has cultivated a distinct visual art practice informed by design and international travel. Following his studies with voyages to Honduras, Italy, London, England, Toronto, and Harlem, New York, Olson returned to his native Calgary to open IDEAL, a contemporary art space. www.erikolson.ca
River grew up in Northern California and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from UC Santa Cruz. His wild, youthful days of travel ended abruptly when he fell in love with a dancer. Now he's married, with 3 kids, a house, 2 cars and a dog living in semi-rural British Columbia as a stone mason. He relishes 
Originally from the U.K., Nancy is now based in Toronto. With a background in art education, she first worked with 
Adrian has worked in the Broadcast, Film and Live Production fields for the past 28 years and is presently Lighting Consultant to the CTV Television Network, TSN and Rogers Sportsnet. He also counts amongst his clientele the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, for whom he is the Lighting and Set Designer for their worldwide festivals.
Art spends most of his time continent hopping with Accent Refrigeration in the cool quest to design and install the perfect system. His favorite gig is Paintings Below Zero - and will continue to be until hell freezes over. He calls home Victoria, British Columbia with his wife and 4 daughters.
This is JC’s fourth installation with 
Nancy has worked with Gordon and Caitlin with PBZ since the 2005 Italy installation. She’s the go-to person behind the scenes. Nancy is responsible to have everything in place before the crew hits the location. She brings 21 years of event management experience to this gig, and she is inspired by the work. 
No comments:
Post a Comment