Tim Wade is an artist with a different kind of canvas. In fact, he has more than just one: Wade makes art from sand, snow and ice.

Wade, a Marion resident, spent most of Saturday carving a mermaid and dolphin from two 300-pound ice blocks in front of the Marion Art Center.

“The hardest part is getting all of the detail and proportion,” Wade said while chipping away at the ice. “You can’t build on to the piece. You have to keep going in.”

Wade got his start in sculpture six years ago while attending the Maine College of Art. There, he took second place in a snow carving competition. He then interned at the Maine Snow & Ice Foundation and competed on a national level.

With tools such as a chainsaw, die grinder, chisel and even an iron, Wade worked from 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m.

“Most of the pieces I do are meant for one-night only, like a special event,” Wade said. “I make ice bars too. But this should last a couple of days.”

Propped up next to the ice was a sketch of the mermaid and dolphin. Wade said he often sketches out ideas or even makes clay models to help with the proportion.

Marion residents Natasha, Julian and Marianna Sudofsky stopped by to watch Wade.

“I like the dolphin,” Natasha said. “I saw him last year. He does really cool things.”

Marion resident Melissa Thompson also stopped to admire the sculpture.

“I haven’t seen his work before, but it’s a really neat idea,” Thompson said.

As Wade chipped and carved away, he said the best part of his craft is the finished product.

“When you step back and see everything as it should, that’s the reward,” Wade said. “I like having pieces like this, too. You get to have fun with it.”