The CARVE snow sculpture contest that was held last week at Northstar was incredible. Teams from around the world showed up and made magic. They all came to Tahoe with very different perspectives, different visions, different objectives and systematically, day by day, chipped away at their 10x10x12 foot high blocks of snow. Each team of three had submitted a sketch months before to be accepted into the contest, I had seen them and quite frankly in some cases, I was having a hard time imaging them pulling off their ambitious plans.

They spoke different languages, used different tools and clearly were following different strategies. Some of the teams were made up of veteran carvers who had travelled the world competing for years, others had less experience. All of them faced a new obstacle, one foreign to the rest of the stages they were used to…The California sun. The Tahoe heat, wrecked havoc on plans. On day two I showed up to see tarps thrown up everywhere… luckily it still dipped into the 20’s at night and the blocks froze hard.

As I watched the forms emerge out of the blocks I couldn’t help but be inspired. As a judge, I tried to wrap my head around the wide range of forms and message, looking for common variable to measure by. It was amazing to see the evolution.

At night changing LED lighting set the works a blaze in color and form. The darkness framed each incredible flowing piece of art as they called out and danced together for the stars.

In the end, one sculpture rose to the top. It was a minimalistic, precariously balanced statement. Clearly it was “a all or nothing” attempt. The Germans pulled it off with practiced strategy and precision.

Unquestionably, CARVE was a huge success.

On a chilly Wednesday morning in February, we set out from the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in search for the perfect spot for our winter picnic.

Our first outing with our new friends, the lovely ladies from Tahoe Social, was also the first time any of the Gallery Keoki team members had experienced being on Lake Tahoe during the winter season. Warm smiles and cheery laughter fought back the cold wind as we made our way to Keoki’s secret beach along the East Shore.

Our simple winter picnic quickly turned into a feast as homemade pulled pork sliders, red velvet cookies, and freshly cooked dumplings were spread out across the small blanket. With full bellies we sat back and took in the view.

As a new (by Tahoe standards) transplant from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, I am still easily taken aback by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. The crystal clear water looks as if it belongs along the shoreline of Cozumel. Luckily for us, we have it in our own backyard, surrounded by the mountains we love.

This diverse environment offers many opportunities that are not available anywhere else in the world. Who else has this view for their Wednesday office meeting? I will never get tired of this place.

-Sarah, Gallery Director