Art

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.

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:

###

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.

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.

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

Application portal: https://waterfowlfestival.org/artist-application/
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: Artists will begin to be notified by the end of April if they are accepted into the exhibition.
For information about the application process, please reach out to our office via email or call 410-822-4567.

Image: Art Gallery at Waterfowl Festival/Courtesy Ron Haddaway

###

About the Waterfowl Festival

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

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

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 53^rd 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.

###

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.

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 53^rd 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 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.

###

‘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.

May 2, 2024 In Art, Conservation, Conservation Projects, News, Special Events

Waterfowl Festival, Inc Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

Easton, MD – For over fifty years, the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD, has supported dozens of projects across the region aimed at preserving our natural landscapes for all to enjoy. On June 13, 2024, the organization will host a unique evening to celebrate our commitment to the Eastern Shore’s heritage of abundant waterfowl and bountiful wetland resources. Nearly six million dollars of funds have been raised over the years and donated to mission-aligned organizations that help restore lands, educate the general public, and provide rich programming to our community’s children and students.

The event will feature a seasonal menu directed by celebrated Chef Paul Shiley and the Tidewater’s outstanding culinary team led by Executive Chef Hampton Turner. Guests will enjoy a specialty cocktail, wonderful cuisine, and most especially fellowship with those who share a passion for our mission. During the evening, guests can explore displays of conservation projects funded over the years and engage in conversation with their stewards. Representatives from Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, ShoreRivers, and Pickering Creek will be on hand to discuss their funded conservation projects.

“The Waterfowl Festival has a long tradition of partnering with organizations across the region to celebrate, support, and enhance our outdoor heritage and traditions,” remarked Chip Heaps, Conservation Chairman, “This event will serve to celebrate this legacy and provide an insight to the work ahead of us in coming years.”

The evening will end with keynote speaker Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, Ducks Unlimited. Dr. Waldrop will highlight some of the work funded over the years by the Waterfowl Festival as well as discuss innovative ways organizations are working on conservation projects at the national level. All proceeds of this dinner will be used for our Community in Conservation grant program.

Limited seating available. For tickets, please visit: waterfowfestival.org/conservation dinner or email Deena Kilmon, Executive Director, .

About the Waterfowl Festival:

Since 1971, Waterfowl Festival, Inc. has faithfully supported the principal tenet of waterfowl and wildlife conservation. Led by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the Waterfowl Festival has contributed over six million dollars to conservation organizations across the nation. The 2024 Festival will be held Nov. 8-10 in historic Easton, MD. For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410-822-4567.

August 9, 2022 In Art, News

Waterfowl Festival’s Featured Artwork: ‘November Morning-Pintails’

When artist Richard Clifton began planning the featured piece of art for Waterfowl Festival 2022, he wanted to capture not only the beauty of waterfowl, but wanted his creation to appeal to art collectors, waterfowl enthusiasts, hunters, and conservationists alike. He settled on Pintails as his subject and created “November Morning-Pintails.”

“Everybody loves Pintails,” declared Clifton. “They have a classic look and broad appeal. People get excited when they see a group of Pintails.”

Clifton lives on 115 acres where he has created extensive habitat to attract waterfowl and wildlife.

He’s also a farmer, hunter, photographer, and waterfowl enthusiast. He comes from a farming family and keeps around 75 acres of his land under till. He says there’s something therapeutic about planting in the ground and working his fields. He’d do more farming if he wasn’t so busy with his art.

His love for the land and wildlife is evident in his paintings. He takes his own reference photos and then puts them together to create compositions that use light, patterns, and flow to bring viewers in. He says he’s probably sitting on several thousands of photos he’s taken on his land.

About the Painting

For Waterfowl Festival 2022, Clifton created a painting that is understated and elegant.

“November Morning-Pintails” evokes calm. Soft background light sets apart the ducks – three drakes and two hens. The contrasting patterns on the ducks give variety, while the colors serve to tie them together in a warm, serene composition.

The painting is 24”x36” unframed, and 32”x44” framed. The framed original is being offered for $12,000.

Posters will also be available closer to the date of the Festival.

“I’m so honored that the waterfowl festival has ask me to be their featured artist, and so grateful of the people that I’ve met in the last few years, both that work with the festival and -I’m gonna call them friends- the people that have come out and supported me and my artwork,” said Clifton. “It’s big shoes to fill, but I’m hoping together we can kick off the next 50 years with the same enthusiasm and anticipation that was there all those years ago when this great vision began.

About the Featured Artist Program

Waterfowl Festival’s Featured Artist Program was created in 2010 to generate excitement about a chosen artist and their visual interpretation of the bounty of our natural habitat. It encourages visitors to meet the artist and see the featured piece “up close.”

The Featured Artwork is the inspiration for the year’s marketing theme and keeps the visual identity of the Festival fresh and current. The painter or sculptor chosen each year showcases the variety and high-quality art that the Festival is known for to a new and returning audience.

For a hi rez version of the painting, click here.

For a photo of artist Richard Clifton, click here.

Art

Talbot Treasures Event to Celebrate Community History

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

Waterfowl Festival, Inc. Announces 2025 Featured Artist Al Barker

2025 Waterfowl Festival Call for Artists

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

Painters selected for WFF 2024

Waterfowl Festival announces 2024 Featured Artist

Waterfowl Festival, Inc Presents “An Evening for Conservation”

Waterfowl Festival’s Featured Artwork: ‘November Morning-Pintails’

Contact us

Follow Us

Quick Links