Hundreds of art lovers poured into the new Ice House on 10th Street Thursday night for the official opening of the contemporary artspace, which was hosting a show filled with works by Sarasota Chalk Festival artists.

The colorful art, on the walls and on the floors, was an attraction, of course, but so was the party atmosphere within and without, as Darwin’s on 4th offered ceviche, beer, wine and other treats to the crowd. Attendees were quite a mix of young and older, faces familiar and not—a chance for people with an interest in visual art to mingle and connect in a buzzy, fun way.

The Ice House, leased by Alsftad& Productions, states as its purpose “Reimagining How to Make and Market Art,” and plans more exhibitions in the almost 9,000-square-foot space throughout the season.

The current show, Reimagining: Sarasota Chalk Artists Art, continues through Nov. 24 and can be viewed from noon to 8 p.m. through Nov. 24 at the space, 1314 10th St., just two blocks east of the Van Wezel sign on North Tamiami Trail. Here are some photos of last night’s event.