A Crash Course in Ice Sculpting

Jim Duggan, former Chattahoochee Technical College (CTC) instructor and owner of Ice Sculpture Inc., was guest teacher at the on Tuesday instructing culinary students in the skillful art of ice sculpting.

Duggan volunteers his teaching services twice a year at CTC in an effort to give back to the community and inspire future chefs in the method of food display and event decoration through the use of ice.

“I became interested in ice sculpting while I was cooking at the Atlanta Country Club several years ago. The restaurant used ice sculptures for functions at the club. I started learning how to make them myself. Over the course of four or five years, I decided I wanted to do ice sculpting full-time," said Duggan.

Seven years ago, Duggan, who has spent the better part of twenty years perfecting his ice sculpting skills, eventually opened his own company Ice Sculpture Inc. He has since become one of the top ice sculptors in Atlanta.

“This has been one of the busiest years so far,” he said.

Patrick Gangi, CTC culinary student for two years and soon-to-be graduate, has plans to enlist in the culinary division of the Army upon completion of his studies.

“The Army has its own culinary arts program and holds competitions throughout the year. Fort Lee in Virginia hosts one of the biggest. I’m looking forward to competing,” said Gangi.

Kelly Jenkins, also a culinary student at CTC, enjoyed working on her ice sculpture despite the cold rainy weather.

“I’ve been looking forward to the sculpting class,” said Jenkins. “It’s not as difficult as I imagined it would be, but something on a smaller scale next time might be nice.”

The sculptures created by the students will be displayed at the upcoming CTC Grand Buffet where the garde manger class will prepare the menu and food presentation for the college's executive staff.