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October 1, 2025 In Art, News, Waterfowl

Waterfowl Festival Announces Free Parking and Shuttle Stops for 54th Annual Event

 

Waterfowl Festival Announces Free Parking and Shuttle Stops for 54th Annual Event

EASTON, MD –October 1, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival is gearing up for its 54th annual celebration of wildlife art, conservation, and the Eastern Shore’s sporting life, taking place November 14-16, 2025, in historic Easton, Maryland. To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, the festival is highlighting its free parking and shuttle bus system. Bus service is complimentary for festival ticket holders. 

Free Parking Locations: The Festival offers free parking at several key locations with easy access to the shuttle bus routes. Free Parking is available at the following sites:

  • Easton High School
  • Easton Elementary School
  • Easton Middle School
  • Molly’s Place / Old Pier One (located within the Kohl’s parking lot area)
  • Easton Town Lots 5,6,7, 9, 11, 12  are open and have additional ADA parking available for the festival weekend (Easton town map: https://www.eastonmd.gov/255/Parking)

Complimentary Festival Shuttles: Festival Ticket holders can ride complimentary shuttle buses to all attractions. The buses will run continuously, connecting the free parking lots to the various downtown venues. Buses will run thirty minutes prior to opening and closing festival hours.

The festival shuttle buses for 2025 are the Blue Line and the Orange Line

  • Starting Point: Both the Blue Line and Orange Line routes begin and end at the Historical Society parking lot (off of N. West St.), which serves as a central stop for Downtown and a transfer point to all routes.
  • The Blue Line: Historical Society, Waterfowl Buidling (Armory), Easton MIddle School, Sportsman’s Pavilion (Easton Elks Lodge), Easton High School, back to Historical Society.
  • The Orange Line :Historical Society, Easton Elementary, Bay Street Ponds, Molly’s Place, Easton Farmer’s Market, Country School 

To purchase festival tickets, a full schedule of events, and event map please visit: waterfowlfestival.org 

About the Waterfowl Festival: 

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

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September 2, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, Festival Highlights, News, Waterfowl

New Venues, new Artists, and Champion of Champions at Waterfowl Festival 54!

 

[Easton, MD] – August 29, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival, one of the nation’s premier events dedicated to the celebration of waterfowl and the natural environment, returns to Easton, Maryland, on November 14-16, 2025. Celebrating its 54th year, the event offers a diverse range of activities that highlight the art, culture, and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay region. 

This year, seven art venues will be filled with spectacular sculptures, paintings, carvings, photography, and mixed media featuring the art of the natural world. New this year, attendees will be welcomed to two new additional venues to see world-renowned collections by Guyette and Deeter (St. Michaels, MD) Copley Fine Art Auctions (Pembroke, Mass.)  Red Fox Fine Art (Middleburg, VA) and the Sportsman’s Gallery/Paderewski Fine Art (Charleston, SC). 

Premiere night continues to evolve and surprise and this year is no exception! The “Eastern Shore” sporting party of the year shines with indoor and outdoor venues. The festivities will begin in the historic Tidewater Inn’s Crystal room with the opening ceremonies and the iconic gavel drop! Sip exclusive bourbons in the PNC Pavilion while enjoying a first look at Featured Artist Al Barker’s paintings commissioned especially for Waterfowl Festival 54. VIP’s will enjoy a fantastic cocktail reception in each venue while they meet the 2025 artists. The popular outdoor oyster bar will feature Madhouse oysters. Mill outside and inside while enjoying live music, carriage rides, photo booths, and the first look at Waterfowl festival attire by Brackish Life – exclusively designed for this year’s festival by local artists. 

Not to be missed this year, the World Waterfowl Calling Contest will be held at Easton High School, featuring the Champion of Champions round, only held every five years. This prestigious contest has been running continuously since 1976 and features the world’s best in goose and duck calling battling it out for cash and prizes. 

Favorite attractions at the festival will include the iconic Dock Dogs jumping competition, retriever demonstrations on land and in water, and numerous venues for shopping for everything needed for the outdoor lifestyle from cars to boats, accessories and clothing. Featured attractions include the famous Tasting Pavilion where attendees sample locally distilled spirits, wine, food, and beer from around the region. Additionally this year, festival goers can enjoy local beer in the Delmarva Craft Beer Wetlands tent at the Bay Street Ponds. 

Children will be entertained by the many stops on the Quackin’ Trail including two different raptor exhibitions, educational presentations by The Chesapeake Mermaid, interactive art activities by the Ward Museum and local artist/writer Tim Young, the children’s calling contest sponsored by Sean Mann, the fishing derby, and many interactive conservation displays from community partners. The Waterfowl mascots Willa, Webster, and Winston will be on hand for great family photo opportunities. 

During the festival, enjoy live music of all genres on six music stages. Food trucks will be spread throughout the festival, including crowd favorites Smith Island Cake, crab cakes, oysters, and more. Over twenty food trucks will be on hand in addition to the wonderful local restaurants downtown, many of whom feature special Waterfowl menus. 

New this year is the Ducks Unlimited Landing at the Sportsman’s Pavilion  Step inside and explore a showcase of conservation, community, and the very best in the outdoors. This year, the tent will be filled with DU partners featuring the latest outdoor gear, innovations, and products.

VIP ticket packages and General Admission are available. Children ten and under are free with a ticket holding guardian/parent. Parking is free at all local public schools, numerous town lots, and free street parking throughout the downtown area. Bus Transportation to all attractions is complimentary with a festival ticket. Accessible parking is available at all school lots and accessible buses will be running continuously. 

Festival Hours and Times:

November 13, 2025 4:30-8:30 PM, Premier Night -VIP Ticket holders only 

Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday Nov. 15, 2025 – All venues open 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Sunday, November 16 – All Venues open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For tickets please visit: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-tickets/ or call 410-822-4567. Corporate partners are encouraged to email for more information. 

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

 

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May 27, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, Galleries, News, Painters, Uncategorized

Hall of Fame Painter Joe Seme to Showcase Work at Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk

[Easton, MD] – May 27, 2025 –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The June First Friday Gallery Walk exhibit and open house at the Waterfowl Building is set to feature North Carolina artist Joe Seme. Seme is well known for his major “trompe l’oeil” (fool the eye) realistic still life paintings which are carefully researched and and may take three or four months to complete. Seme, a Waterfowl Hall of Fame honoree, painted the 2023, 1980, and 1990 Festival posters. He has been profiled in numerous publications including American Artist, American Art Review, Chesapeake Travel and Leisure, Salt, and Ducks Unlimited. 

Joe Seme’s artistic journey spans decades, with a portfolio that includes intricate still lifes, landscapes, and decoy carvings. His deep connection to the Eastern Shore is evident in pieces like “Eastern Shore,” a painting commissioned as the 2023 poster for the Waterfowl Festival. Seme has been a fixture at the festival since 1978 and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1992.

Attendees of the First Friday Gallery Walk will have the chance to view a selection of Seme’s original works, including limited edition giclée prints and original pieces of antique toys, collectables, and other diverse subjects in addition to his well known Eastern Shore subjects. His art, characterized by meticulous detail and storytelling nature – each work a journey into a magical universe created by the artist.

First Friday Gallery Walk is sponsored by the Easton Economic Development Corporation. For more information on this event, visit DiscoverEaston.com. 

Event Details:

  • Date: June 6, 2025
  • Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
  • Location: The Waterfowl Building, 40 S. Harrison Street

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

Images: “Delft Cat”, “Eastern Shore”, “Paris Pig”

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May 20, 2025 In Art, News, Promotional Partners, Special Events, Uncategorized, Waterfowl

Talbot Treasures Event to Celebrate Community History

As part of the Talbot250 celebration, a new community-led committee has been formed to bring to life a unique history exhibit: Talbot Treasures: A Community Show and Tell of History and Heirloom. The event, scheduled for June 12–14, 2025, will invite residents to share personal artifacts, documents, and heirlooms that reflect the deep and diverse history of Talbot County.

The Talbot Treasures Committee brings together the Talbot250 Commission, the Waterfowl Festival, and the Talbot Historical Society.

“We’re thrilled to bring our community together around the stories and objects that make Talbot County so special,” said Deena Kilmon, Executive Director of the Waterfowl Festival. “Talbot Treasures will showcase the depth of history found not just in archives, but in our homes, attics, and family traditions.”

Peggy Morey, Executive Director for the Talbot Historical Society, echoed the excitement: “Everyone has something to contribute—a photograph, a family letter, a memory passed down. This is an invitation for everyone in Talbot County to be part of our collective story.”

The event will be held at the Waterfowl Festival Building in Easton and will feature a curated exhibit of community-submitted items with public viewing on Saturday, June 14.

All items must be connected to Talbot County and pre-registered in advance of the event. More details, including registration instructions are available at www.talbot250.org/talbot-treasures

Talbot Treasures joins a growing list of community-led events and programs developed as part of Talbot250, a multi-year celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 365th anniversary of Talbot County. For more information about Talbot250 and upcoming events, visit Talbot250.org.

PHOTOS/CAPTIONS

“5.20.2025 Talbot Treasures Flyer.png”
Flyer for the 2025 Talbot Treasures: Community Show and Tell event.

“5.20.2025 1776 Decanter.jpg”
The Waterfowl Festival found this “The Early Times Distillery Co. – 1976 Bicentennial Edition Whiskey Decanter” to contribute to Talbot Treasures. See the decanter in person, and learn more about it’s story at the Talbot Treasures public viewing on June 14, 2025.

“5.20.2025 Hat.png”
This black crepe hat with a high straight crown and flat brim was worn by Robert Bartless Dixon, a member of the Third Haven Meeting House. Contributed by members of the Talbot Historical Society.

“5.20.2025 Locket.png”
This locket was contributed by Hughlett Kirby. It shows William R. Hughlett on one site, and the other side (shown here) depicts two women. Paper with the locket states that they may be William’s sisters – Tansey Ann and Mary Elizabeth.

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May 9, 2025 In Art, Featured Art, Painters, Waterfowl

Art of the Wild Prominent at 2025 Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD

For immediate release: May 9, 2025

Press Contact: Deena Kilmon, Executive Director

410-822-4567

 

 

 

Celebrated Eastern Shore event to feature acclaimed artist’s works in November

Four specil event venues will feature artists from all over North America at the 2025 Waterfowl Festival, to be held November 14-16, 2025, in Easton, Maryland.

Now in its 54th year, the Waterfowl Festival is a premier showcase of wildlife and sporting art, attracting thousands of collectors, conservationists, and art lovers to Maryland’s Eastern Shore each fall. Juried artists are carefully selected based on originality, craftsmanship, and a demonstrated connection to waterfowl, wildlife, or outdoor heritage. Each year, over half a million dollars in art is sold during the three-day festival – one of the largest pop-up art galleries of its kind on the East Coast. Other Festival venues showcase priceless decoys, fine art collections, and other antiquities for sale related to wildlife and sporting art. 

A selection of artists that are coming include  Al Barker, Bernie Houston, Pete Nevins, Chris Wilson, Al Jordan,  Nancy Tankersley, Jill Basham, Vlad Duchev, Sue Adair, Laura McGowan, Elizabeth Rhoades, Sara Linda Poly, Kelly McNeill, Bernie Houston, Larry Ringold, Russ Smoker, Rich Smoker, Eric Tardiff and more. For a full list of artists, please visit our website. 

Feature Artist of the year Al Barker created a work inspired by the beautiful rural landscapes surrounding Easton etitled “Down the Road”. Hundreds of years of agriculture have dotted the region with rustic farmhouses and peaceful meadows of grass and grain. Birds of all kinds find home here on the Mid-Atlantic Flyway. Barker captures the essence of the area perfectly with his watercolor, “Down the Road.” The piece evokes a sense of timelessness that has captivated generations of artists to work, live, and visit the area. Barker’s work can be viewed during the festival and the image will be used in the 2025 Waterfowl Festival poster, available for purchase online and at the festival. The artist will be on hand to sign copies and showcase additional original works for sale. 

Renowned outdoor painters, sculptors, carvers, and photographers from across the country will showcase their work in a series of exhibits spread throughout Easton. Attendees will enjoy viewing works of art of all sizes that capture the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The 

works will be available for purchase, providing a unique opportunity to own a piece of art that reflects a deep appreciation for the outdoors. 

The Waterfowl Festival is more than an art show — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and conservation. Festival attendees enjoy birds of prey exhibitions, working dog trials, retriever demonstrations, a Quackin’ Trail of activities for children, live music venues, and more.  The proceeds from the festival support wildlife habitat preservation and conservation efforts across the nation.

 To learn more about the festival, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

About the Waterfowl Festival:

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role 

in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

The Waterfowl Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Historic Trust, the Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and all of our incredible community partners including the hundreds of volunteers that make all the magic happen. 

For more information about the Waterfowl Festival, including ticket sales and a full schedule of events, please visit www.waterfowlfestival.org.

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March 20, 2025 In Art, Artists, News, Painters

Waterfowl Festival, Inc.  Announces 2025 Featured Artist Al Barker 

Waterfowl Festival, Inc.  Announces 2025 Featured Artist Al Barker 

 

The Waterfowl Festival’s 2025 Featured Artist has been announced, naming a legendary Festival favorite, Al Barker. Barker has displayed his work at every Festival since its inception in 1971. His quintessential scenes of hunting, the outdoor lifestyle, and nature flawlessly capture a quiet and breathtaking beauty, bringing the viewer intimately into the scene without disrupting the magical and private moments his subjects are experiencing. 

 

“The Waterfowl Festival is about tradition – preserving our heritage and sharing it with the new generation,” remarked Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Al’s works are the perfect way to seduce anyone who is viewing them to fall in love with the romance of the outdoors. His works are generally not large making them the perfect size and price point for the new collector -A key element of the Festival – making sure art is accessible to everyone.”

 

Al Barker was born in New Jersey and was raised within the New York Metropolitan area where he learned to appreciate the outdoors by spending a great deal of time hunting and fishing. These activities, no doubt, influenced his decision to pursue academic studies in Environmental Science where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry and later received a National Fellowship for Doctorate work. After these academic studies, Al became a Forestry educator and worked in private industry and eventually taught his trade on the post- secondary level. Without formal art training, he began drawing and painting wildlife scenes to assist with his teaching curricula and has been influenced by the works of Milton Weiler and Don Stone, N.A. Presently, as a full-time professional artist, Al specializes in smaller sized paintings, completing works in both oil and watercolor, as well as rendering many small editions of etchings. 

 

Al Barker is the only professional artist who has exhibited continuously at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, since its inception over fifty years ago. Al has won over fifty major awards in premier art competitions and principal exhibitions such as the Grand National American Artists Professional League, New York; Greenwich Workshop Galleries, Connecticut and California; Settlers West, Arizona; Gallery One, Ohio; and the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City of which he has been a member and on exhibit for more than 50 years. Al’s work is displayed in many National Miniature Exhibitions in the continental United States. Notably, Al’s work has been purchased by museums for permanent collections, many private collections, as well as the White House fine arts collection.

Look for the release of Barker’s Featured Art piece this summer! Posters from the featured piece will be printed in limited edition.  Pre-orders are available by calling the Waterfowl Festival office 410-822-4567 or at the link online later in the summer in the Waterfowl store. Previous years prints are on salenow at this site: https://waterfowlfestival.org/festival-posters/

 

About the Waterfowl Festival

 

Waterfowl Festival Inc. is dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art, and the celebration of the life and culture of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The 54th Festival will be held November 14-16, 2025 in historic Easton, Md. VIP and corporate sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, to volunteer, or donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

 

 

To learn more about Barker, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/albarkerpainter/

Images courtesy Al Barker.

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January 22, 2025 In Art, Artists, Carvers, Festival Highlights, Galleries, News, Painters, Photographers, Sculptors, Waterfowl

2025 Waterfowl Festival Call for Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Easton, MD — Waterfowl Festival 2025: Call for Artists and Exhibitors

Easton, Maryland – January 21, 2025 – The Waterfowl Festival is excited to announce that applications for artists and exhibitors are now open for the 2025 event, scheduled for November 14-16, 2025.

We invite painters, sculptors, carvers, and photographers specializing in waterfowl, wildlife, landscapes, sporting art, and maritime subjects to apply. All displayed work must be available for sale. New artist applications should include 5 to 10 digital images representative of the artwork intended for exhibition. Artwork for sale must have been created within two years of the festival date. Please ensure high-quality images, as they are crucial for the jurying process.

Important Information 

Image: Art Gallery at Waterfowl Festival/Courtesy Ron Haddaway

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About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

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January 9, 2025 In Art, Artists, Featured Art, News, Special Events, Uncategorized, Venues

Waterfowl Festival & Ward Foundation present: Maryland Arts Council Folklife Film & Art Evening

Easton, MD – January 7, 2025 – The Ward Foundation, in collaboration with the Waterfowl Festival and the Maryland State Arts Council, is pleased to announce the Folklife Apprentice Film Series event, scheduled for January 23, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Waterfowl Festival Building, located at 40 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD.

This engaging evening will feature a selection of short films from the Maryland State Arts Council’s Folklife Apprenticeship program, showcasing diverse cultural traditions and artistic practices.

“Going into 2025, we are thrilled to be offering such an engaging and meaningful program featuring films from all across the artistic landscape. We are excited to engage a larger audience by offering diverse educational opportunities along with our partners at the Maryland State Arts Council and the Ward Foundation,” remarked Deena Kilmon, executive director of the Waterfowl Festival. “We encourage the community to take advantage of this wonderful free arts program.” 

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on activity, painting a bufflehead silhouette under the guidance of Master Carver, Waterfowl Festival Hall of Fame honoree and National Heritage Award Winner, Rich Smoker.

Admission to the event is free; however, registration is required.

To register, please visit the Ward Foundation’s website at https://wardfdn.org/learn-explore/program-calendar/folklife-apprentice-film-series/.

Event Details:

  • Date: January 23, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Waterfowl Festival Building, 40 S. Harrison St, Easton, MD
  • Admission: Free (Registration required)

For more information about the event and other programs, please visit the Ward Foundation’s website at https://wardfdn.org/. Ward Foundation PO Box 2132 Salisbury, Maryland 21802 Phone: 410-339-0668 Email: .

https://wardfdn.org/

About the Waterfowl Festival

Since 1971, the Waterfowl Festival has raised nearly six million dollars for conservation and education efforts. Proceeds from the festival support various environmental, art, student scholarships,  and cultural initiatives, ensuring that future generations can understand and enjoy the beauty and diversity of waterfowl and their environments. The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community, drawing visitors from around the country and boosting the regional economy.

About the Ward Foundation:

The Ward Foundation is dedicated to promoting and preserving the legacy of the Ward Brothers, artistic traditions, community heritage, and connections to the natural environment.

Through various events, programs, and educational initiatives, the foundation supports and interprets the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Images:

  • Black Storytelling
    • Mentor artist Janice Greene (left) taught Black storytelling to apprentice artist Naomi Reid during a 2021-2022 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • Bluegrass and country vocals
    • Mentor artist Dede Wyland (left) taught apprentice artist Jonathan Vocke bluegrass and country vocals in a 2021-2022 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • botanical jewelry one
    • Mentor artist Linda Van Hart (right) taught apprentice artist Shannon Bernier Baltimore-style botanical jewelry making in a 2022-2023 Folklife Apprenticeship. © Maryland State Arts Council 2024, MSAC.org.
  • Decoy by Rich Smoker
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July 5, 2024 In Art, Artists, News, Painters

Painters selected for WFF 2024

PRESS RELEASE

The Waterfowl Festival is pleased to announce the selected Painters for this year’s event, taking place from November 8-10 in Easton, MD. Artists featured in this category for the 53rd Waterfowl Festival include local, national and international talent:

Sue deLearie Adair (Schenectady, NY), Sandy Alanko (Tilghman Island, MD), Al Barker (Bordentown, NJ), Jill Basham (Trappe, MD), Richard Clifton (Milford, DE), Lori Dunn (Norwood, ON), John Eiseman (Hebron, MD), Ned Ewell (Cockeysville, MD), Cynthie Fisher (Hamilton, MT), Jean Gidich (Elmore, OH), Wilhelm Goebel (Salisbury, MD), Lori Goll (Leesburg, VA), Carol Heiman-Greene (Orange, CA), Brenda Kidera (Woodbine, MD), David Kiehm (Oneonta, NY), Rebekah Knight (Deepwater, MO), Yelena Lamm (Pittsburgh, PA), Laura Mark-Finberg (Pequea, PA), Kelly McNeil (London, ON), Terry Miller (Takoma Park, MD), Pete Nevins (Centreville, MD), Clayton Pennell (Boone, NC), Volodymyr Piven (Arnold, MD), Sara Linda Poly (Easton, MD), Mary Pritchard (Chestertown, MD), Julia Purinton (Warren, VT), James Rataczak (Circle Pines, MN), Elizabeth Rhoades (Belle Haven, VA), Julia Rogers (Easton, MD), Steve Rogers (Lewes, DE), Drew Scarpa (Millville, NJ), Susan Schauer John (Easton, MD), Joe Seme (Wilmington, NC), Nancy Tankersley (Easton, MD), Mary Veiga (Baltimore, MD), Stewart White (Easton, MD), Keith Whitelock (Salisbury, MD), Bruce Woodward (Sykesville, MD), Christine Young (Fairborn, OH).

The Waterfowl Festival features over 75 total artists, including Carvers, Painters, Photographers and Sculptors. Participating artists demonstrate a variety of styles and mediums, showcasing works of art depicting waterfowl and wildlife, as well as landscapes, sporting art and maritime subjects—the rich diversity of nature. Exhibitions will be located in the Waterfowl Building, Artist Pavilion presented by PNC Bank (on Harrison Street), Academy Art Museum, Avalon Theatre, and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding this year’s selected artists.

The Waterfowl Festival is produced in part with support from the Maryland State Arts Council, generous community sponsors and corporate partners. Advance tickets to the event, including VIP and Premiere Night (Nov. 7) passes, can be purchased online at www.waterfowl.org/festival-tickets. Weekend general admission tickets are discounted now thru Oct. 1 for only $20. Volunteers receive free admission. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact us at or call 410.822.4567.

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About the Waterfowl Festival: Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region known for its stunning landscapes and abundant waterfowl populations, the Waterfowl Festival has grown to be a cherished tradition, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the globe. Its commitment to conservation, community, and cultural enrichment makes it a vital event for anyone interested in preserving our natural world for future generations. For more information, please visit WaterfowlFestival.org.

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July 5, 2024 In Art, Featured Art, News, Painters, Sculptors

Waterfowl Festival announces 2024 Featured Artist

This year’s Featured Artist, Ronnie Wells, is both a sculptor and painter residing in Larado, Texas. He is shown with his sculpture, ‘Cans In the Decoys’, to be on exhibition at the Festival this November. 

PRESS RELEASE

The Waterfowl Festival is honored to announce Texas-based artist Ronnie Wells as the Featured Artist for this year’s 53rd festival and exhibition held in Easton, MD. Mr. Wells will exhibit both sculpture and paintings that he has created specifically for this event.

As a waterfowl and wildlife-centric artist, Mr. Wells has won numerous awards and exhibited his work in museums and fine art shows across the nation. He was awarded Ducks Unlimited’s Texas Artist of the Year for three years, won Sculptor of the Year at the DU World Wildlife Exposition, and has several permanent installations at the National and Regional DU Headquarters. Permanent works are also exhibited in the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center located at Bass Pro in Memphis. Mr. Wells monumental bronze sculpture “Gale Winds and Mallards” stands at the entrance of National Ducks Unlimited Headquarters in Memphis, TN.

Mr. Wells graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1968 with a Fine Arts Degree. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Patricia, moved to Houston where he was employed for four yeas at MD Anderson Hospital as a medical illustrator. Mr. Wells resigned in 1972 and began a lifelong pursuit of his life passion in wildlife art, as a painter and sculptor. He and his wife have two children and four grandchildren. Wells Gallery has been in existence at different locations for 50 years. They have maintained the Gallery in Salado, Texas for the past 30 years.

Mr. Wells’ exhibition will be located in the Artist Pavilion presented by PNC Bank on Harrison Street, across from the Waterfowl Building. His new waterfowl-themed oil painting, ‘Cans In the Decoys’ will be featured on this year’s Waterfowl Festival poster, signed and limited to only 300 copies.

The Waterfowl Festival features over 75 total artists, including Carvers, Painters, Photographers and Sculptors. Participating artists demonstrate a variety of styles and mediums, showcasing works of art depicting waterfowl and wildlife, as well as landscapes, sporting art and maritime subjects—the rich diversity of nature. Exhibitions will be located in the Waterfowl Building, Artist Pavilion presented by PNC Bank (on Harrison Street), Academy Art Museum, Avalon Theatre, and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding this year’s selected artists.

The Waterfowl Festival is produced in part with support from the Maryland State Arts Council, generous community sponsors and corporate partners. Advance tickets to the event, including VIP and Premiere Night (Nov. 7) passes, can be purchased online: www.waterfowl.org/festival-tickets. Weekend general admission tickets are discounted now thru Oct. 1 for only $20. Volunteers receive free admission. For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact us at or call 410.822.4567.

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About the Waterfowl Festival: Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region known for its stunning landscapes and abundant waterfowl populations, the Waterfowl Festival has grown to be a cherished tradition, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the globe. Its commitment to conservation, community, and cultural enrichment makes it a vital event for anyone interested in preserving our natural world for future generations. For more information, please visit WaterfowlFestival.org.

‘Cans in the Decoys’ sculpture by artist Ronnie Wells will be on display at this year’s 2024 Waterfowl Festival from November 8-10, 2024.

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