Icy art carved up for Portland's WinteRush

Inside the tents and tarps currently housed in Lincoln Park is an eye-catching assortment of snow and ice sculptures. Organized by the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation, the International Snow & Ice Art Expo features the chilly work of artisans from around the country. It's all part of the city's WinteRush festival, which goes on all week.

The crowning glory of this show is the 35-foot sculpture of a humpback whale and her calf.

Here's another view of the whales. One of the sculptors (right), who hails from Wisconsin as part of the award-winning Team USA, is explaining carving techniques to a visitor.

An all-woman's sculpting team is behind the creation of the yellow submarine snow sculpture. It's hollowed out, allowing visitors to get inside and peek out through the windows.

There are a few ice sculptures sprinkled throughout the tent too.

Fans of President Abraham Lincoln will want to check out this replica of his boyhood home. By Thursday, which is the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, a sculpture of Lincoln as a child reading a book in front of the fireplace will be added inside the cabin. There will be a dedication at 10 am on Thursday morning, and visitors will be able to walk inside the cabin.

Each day of the week will bring new sights to see. According to Ed Jarrett, president of the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation, "it's sort of like an ice museum over here, we keep adding to the exhibits."

And should you be wondering when to go, Jarrett says "viewing it at night is when we get the biggest wow factor."

The expo is open from 10 am-10 pm daily, through Valentine's Day. Tickets cost $3 for adults, $1 for kids under 18 and are free for kids 3 and under. It's definitely a cool show you won't want to miss.