Brooklyn-based Ligorano and Reese frequently tackle social and political issues in their art. Their 2004-05 "Line Up" series used images of members of the George W. Bush cabinet in mug shots as if it were a new form of portraiture.
They produced the "Pure Products USA" limited edition series in 2001 to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to name Bush president. The group included a Bible Bar Energy Snack, Rumsfeld's Liberty Spread Peanut Butter and Homeland Security Nutrition Kit.
One of the items in the series was a snow globe with a bust of then U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. Its journey to Ashcroft's office was written up by the New Yorker.
Adventurous Collectors
The artists paid for their ice happenings, which cost between $10,000 and $15,000, with grants, a Kickstarter.com campaign and the support of private collectors.
"We are lucky to know collectors who are adventurous enough to sponsor something that disappears," Reese said.
Prices for their works range from less than $100 to $50,000. The next "Middle Class" melting is scheduled to take place on Sept. 4, in Marshall Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Muse highlights include Ryan Sutton on dining, Hephzibah Anderson on books.