Smoky Mountain News

Patrons and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the woodcarving artistry of intarsia at a program to be held at the Jackson County Public Library. Lebern Dills, an experienced intarsia artist and resident of Cullowhee, will show some of his work and share his techniques at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Dills uses patterns to carve and all of his pieces are hand-finished without using power tools.

Intarsia is a woodworking technique that uses varied shapes, sizes and species of wood that are fitted together to create a 3-dimensional, mosaic-like picture.

Intarsia is created through the selection of different types of wood, using their natural grain pattern and color to create variations in the pattern. After selecting the specific woods to be used within the pattern, each piece of wood is then individually cut, shaped, and sanded. Once the individual pieces are finished, they are fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and glued to a piece of wood backing.

Intarsia dates back to the 17th century and has its European origins in crafted rocks and stones.

The program is free to the public.

828.586.2016.