For the Jan. 6 First Friday, Diana Ingalls-Leyba of L&I Arts hosted Phillip Parotti, who carves wood blocks for his print-making artistry. Parotti explained the process from drawing on the block of wood the subject to be carved out of a piece of generally soft wood, such as pine, to how to create a multi-colored print. Several people were on hand to watch and ask questions as Parotti carved tiny bits of wood from blocks.

Above, Phillip Parotti draws a simple design on a small block of pine.

Above, Parotti explains how to change the shapes of various elements on an already completed carved block to create a different finished print.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy