This year's WinterCity 2007 ice gallery wasn't what I expected. Located between a great big plastic cheesy snowglobe and a rammed ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square - I thought this exhibit would have your run-of-the-mill ice sculptures. You know, the ones of the city landscape carved out of ice, or better yet, a snowman or other 'winter' icon.

Not this one. This one really did surprise me.

Paintings Below Zero is an installation of coloured, abstract paintings in ice created by Vancouver artist Gordon Halloran. Enormous pieces of ice with beautiful colour combinations and intricate and detailed patterns.

It is definitely something one must go to see in person, as the pictures here do it absolutely no justice.

P.S. It was great to view this piece of art while listening to Sloan. Great rock, with great art. What more can one ask for?