Al Jordan

Carver | Rochester, New York

Al Jordan Among Distinguished Artists at 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival

Al has been studying and enjoying birds his entire life. While growing up, he spent many hours with his father watching birds at local Audubon facilities and many hawk migration points across the county. In 2004 after spending many hours in a raptor banding station, over several years, he dove into the world of falconry, he reached acclaimed status of Master Falconer and is recognized as one of the most productive Falconer’s on the East Coast.

Al’s inherent interest and ability uniquely qualify him to capture the essence of all orders of birds in his sculptures. In 2008 he won Best in Show in the IWCA National Shorebird Championships. After winning 1st Best of Show in the Advanced division at the Ward World Championships in 2013 and 2015 he achieved Master Carver status. He has since won 2nd and 3rd Best in Masters, finished 3rd Best in the World in 2017 and 2nd Best in the World in 2019. He is proud to be among those who have achieved World Championship status. An accomplished and highly sought after judge, Al has officiated shows all over the country. His critical eye, knowledge of birds and their anatomy, high level of craftsmanship and overall artistic interpretation enables him to critique any piece.

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Visitors can experience Al Jordan’s’ work at the 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, this November.

Explore more Waterfowl Festival artists here

Featured Works

Mike Bonner

Carver | New Orleans, Louisiana

Mike Bonner Among Distinguished Artists at 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival

Mike Bonner (1956) was born in Grand Rapids, MI in a family with a rich tradition in the art of wood carving. He has lived on the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans, LA for the past 30 years. He was instilled at an early age with a passion for nature and a love for art and is now one of the most widely respected wildfowl wood carvers in the world. 

Mike has won numerous prestigious competitions and his work has been featured in many publications and displayed in some of the finest exhibits and galleries nationwide. His works are included in permanent collections of The Natural Conservancy, The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Collection, The Birds in Art Museum, and the Philips Petroleum Company Worldwide Headquarters, and as treasured pieces in countless private collections. 

A highly sought-after carving and painting instructor, several of Mike’s students have won World Championships and earned countless Best of Show awards. Mike currently serves on the Executive Committee and is Vice President of The Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild.  

He strives to educate and foster an awarenes and respect for the natural world around us and to expose the public to the wonder and beauty of nature by capturing a moment in time that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Mike is proud to support the Waterfowl Festival, with promotion of wildlife art and the strong, rich history of Maryland’s eastern shore. 

Visitors can experience Mike Bonner’s work at the 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, this November.

Explore more Waterfowl Festival artists here

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Richard Snyder

Carver | Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Richard Snyder Among Distinguished Artists at 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival

Dick Snyder has been carving for about thirty-five years and has been a member of Lancaster County Woodcarvers for over thirty years.

Dick started out carving ducks, like most carvers, but soon began carving songbirds, birds of prey and others.  He is known for carving all species of birds but especially enjoys carving birds in miniature.  

Dick has attended the Ward World Championship for over twenty-five years and along with competing, is a respected judge.  He also shares his love of carving by teaching classes, doing demonstrations, lectures and panel discussions. 

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Visitors can experience Richard Snyder’s’ work at the 55th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, this November.

Explore more Waterfowl Festival artists here

Featured Works