Featured Artist 2025
The Waterfowl Festival is pleased to announce the 2025 Featured Artist, Al Barker!
The Waterfowl Festival is proud to announce its 2025 Featured Artist, legendary festival favorite Al Barker. A staple of the event since its inception in 1971, Barker has continuously displayed his stunning artwork, captivating audiences with his evocative depictions of hunting, outdoor life, and nature. His paintings masterfully capture moments of quiet beauty, inviting viewers into intimate, breathtaking scenes that celebrate the natural world.
“The Waterfowl Festival is about tradition – preserving our heritage and sharing it with the next generation,” says Deena Kilmon, Executive Director. “Al’s work perfectly encapsulates the romance of the outdoors, making it easy for anyone to fall in love with nature through his art. His pieces are often smaller in size, making them accessible to new collectors – a key element of the festival.”
Exclusive 2025 Featured Art Release
Be on the lookout for the release of Barker’s exclusive Featured Art piece this summer! A limited edition of posters will be available for pre-order by calling the Waterfowl Festival office at 410-822-4567. Online pre-orders will also be available later in the summer through the Waterfowl Store.
Celebrate the legacy of Al Barker at the 2025 Waterfowl Festival and experience the beauty of nature through the eyes of a master artist!
About the Artist
Born in New Jersey and raised in the New York Metropolitan area, Al Barker developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors through hunting and fishing. This passion led him to pursue academic studies in Environmental Science, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forestry, followed by a National Fellowship for Doctorate work. Barker’s career spanned roles in private industry and education, where he used his artistic talents to illustrate teaching materials. Inspired by renowned artists such as Milton Weiler and Don Stone, N.A., Barker honed his craft without formal art training and eventually became a full-time professional artist.
Today, Barker specializes in smaller-sized paintings, working in both oil and watercolor, as well as producing limited-edition etchings. His remarkable career includes over 50 major awards from prestigious exhibitions, including the Grand National American Artists Professional League (New York), Greenwich Workshop Galleries (Connecticut and California), Settlers West (Arizona), Gallery One (Ohio), and the esteemed Salmagundi Club in New York City, where he has been a member and exhibitor for more than 50 years. His work is featured in national miniature exhibitions across the U.S. and is part of museum collections, private collections, and even the White House fine arts collection.