Join OCC's Ice Carving Club
A Club With A Legacy
The OCC Ice Carving team is a 10-time national award-winning club that has been a highlight of OCC’s Culinary department for more than 30 years. The Ice Carving team competed in the World Champions of Alaska in 2010 and has hundreds of 1st-place finishes across local and national competitions.
Get Involved
Interested in joining? Here’s how to get involved:
- When do we meet? We run for the last 7 weeks of the fall semester and the first 7 weeks of the winter semester.
- Day and Time: We gather every Monday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Where? We meet in the J124 at the Orchard Ridge campus.
- How do I sign up? Reach out to the Culinary department to get signed up! They can provide all the extra info you need. You can contact Chef Tyler at (248) 259-8312 or ttcolman@oaklandcc.edu if interested.
Hone Your Craft
In this club, you will master the entire process of ice carving:
- Harvest and Handle: Learn the techniques required to safely create, harvest and transport massive, 300-pound blocks of ice.
- Master the Tools: Get hands-on experience using a variety of specialized hand and power tools essential for intricate carving.
- Sculpt with Confidence: Discover the art of safely executing stunning, finished ice sculptures.
- Join the Community: Connect with creative peers who share your passion and gain invaluable competition experience to elevate your skills.
Learn From Expert Ice Carver Chef Tyler
The OCC Ice Carving Club is proudly led by Chef Tyler Colman, a passionate OCC alum. Chef Tyler's journey in the Culinary world began right here, where he trained under the guidance of mentors like Chef Doug Ganhs, helping him earn:
- 2009 National Collegiate Championship: Second Place
- 2010 National Collegiate Championship: Champion
“The ice carving skills and professional connections I developed at OCC elevated my career far beyond the average chef’s path. I’m proud to give back as lead coach and instructor, helping the next generation of carvers experience the same life-changing opportunities.”
– Chef Tyler
Hear from an Ice Carving Student
OCC Alumni:
“I started ice carving at OCC in 2005 and carved for a couple of years. I really enjoyed it and decided to make it a career. The training at OCC helped me get my foot in the door at different ice carving companies until eventually I started my own business, Clear Cut Ice Sculptures.”
– Clinton Rich
Current Student:
“I’m excited to start challenging myself with ice carving.”
– Escamilla, Sebastian, OCC Culinary Student and Ice Carving Club member