Professional ice carver/chef Robert LoFurno of Concord Township, assisted by daughter Nicole and her boyfriend Mike Blundetto, recently took fifth place in the 21st annual Stowe (Vt.) Winter Carnival’s ice-carving competition, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.

Each carver worked with two 300-pound blocks of ice. They carved their entries in three hours, using electric chain saws, blowtorches, die grinders, and chisels.

“These artists create these sculptures out of ice, they give their heart and soul and time and precision to them, and then they melt,” said the carnival’s captain, Huntly Armbuster.

LoFurno and team carved a large abstract heart entitled, “Seasons of Love.”

He is a 1979 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and a 1981 alum of Culinary Institute of America (CIA). He has worked as a professional chef for Aramark for 35 years.

LoFurno, who is self-taught, started ice sculpting when his boss needed him to carve an emergency sculpture for another sculpture that arrived late to a function.

LoFurno is the owner of “Just Add Ice,” an ice sculpture business for area restaurants, country clubs, and private parties and special events.

Read more about Robert LoFurno in the Daily Times.