Marion resident Tim Wade can do a lot with a 300-pound block of ice.

The chainsaw-wielding artist can carve a dolphin, a mermaid, or a train if given the opportunity.

On Saturday, Wade tried something more festive and carved an angel out of a block of ice on the sidewalk in front of the Marion Art Center.

He first joined up with the Art Center three years ago as part of the town’s early holiday festivities, which include the Sippican Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour and the Holiday Stroll around the Village.

Wade determines what he will sculpt each year after some brainstorming with the Art Center staff. This year, the group decided only an angel would fit the bill for the holidays.

“I love it,” Wade said. “I love being creative. Taking a block of ice and carving it into what I want is great.”

Wade, who is also a painter, first began carving ice sculptures six years ago after graduating from the Maine College of Art in Portland.

The artist certainly had his work cut out for himself on Saturday. With rain and temperature steady in the low 50’s, the weather was not exactly optimal for the ice.

Despite the angel slowly melting as he worked, Wade said he was confident the sculpture would remain intact for at least a few days.

“I wish it were a little cooler, but it’ll hold up,” Wade said.