Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places presents the 19th Annual Vail Winterfest Gnome Home

The Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) presents the 19th Annual Vail Winterfest Gnome Home this winter season. Witness the transformation of the Gore Creek Promenade beginning Jan. 14 as Paul Wertin and his team from Alpine Ice install 25,000 pounds of sculpted ice. Gnome Home promises to be a whimsical display of larger-than-life ice sculptures of gnomes and their forest friends including snails, toads, luna moths, ferns and mushrooms.

Gnomes are associated with having a connection with nature and are a symbol of positive energy, good luck and prosperity. Originating from European folklore, they were believed to guard earth’s treasures and promote healthy crops. Gnomes are said to come alive at night to perform their magical duties which makes for an appropriate theme for this season’s illuminated ice sculpture installation.

Guests are invited to wander through a whimsical ice installation during the day or at dusk when the sculptures are illuminated until 10 p.m. Gnome Home will be on view until the ice melts!

Family-friendly events:

Gnome Hat Making, Saturday, Jan. 24, 3–5 p.m., Colorado Snowsports Museum, Vail Village. All ages welcome to this event led by Art in Public Places Coordinator Molly Eppard. Children should be accompanied by a participating adult. Free.

Opening Celebration and Lighting, Sunday, Jan. 25, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Gore Creek Promenade,Vail Village. Warm up with music by Rē K along with treats and sips provided by Mountain Standard and Two Arrows. Gnome Hat Making from 4:30–5 p.m. at opening celebration while supplies last. The lighting of the sculptures will take place at 5:15 p.m. Free.

Clay Gnome Painting with Alpine Arts Center, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 5-6:30 p.m. Avanti Food and Beverage, Golden Peak, Vail. Alpine Arts Center will lead a clay gnome painting workshop in partnership with Discover Vail for a discounted price of $25 per person. Fun, social and open to all ages. Children should be accompanied by a participating adult. Cost $25 – register at www.alpineartscenter.org.

Information about the 19th Annual Vail Winterfest Gnome Home may be found on www.artinvail.com