Ward Museum's World Wildfowl
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The Ward Foundation was chartered in 1968 to promote and
prepetuate wildfowl art. In 1972, the Foundation established the
Ward World Champonship Wildfowl Carving Competition, which provides
a forum for judging of contemproary wildfowl art, and an opportunity
to compare techniques, and exchange ideas and information.
Exhibits of contemporary bird carvings, antique decoys, interpretations of history and development of decoy carving in America. Display of worldchampionship decoy carvings.
2015 Ward World
Wildfowl Championship Events ScheduleSpecial Hotels and Motels available when visiting Ocean City, Maryland
Wildlife Adventures for you to explore out and about Ocean City Maryland
DelMarVa Birding Weekend
At first glance the sheer scope of the World can be overwhelming; more than 2,000 entries turn the Ocean City Convention Center into a massive aviary of carved birds. But don't let that intimidate you-it's really quite simple to view The Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition.
First, remember the competition is divided up into levels, divisions, categories,and species, and that entries are displayed according to these breakdowns. Begin by looking at the colored banners hanging from the convention center ceiling - they identify level and division.
For now read through a little generic info for those new to wildfowl carving, and the related artistic sport. After the pictures of the 'decorative' division you will find more about the Championship, and the 2002 Birding Weekend at OceanCity, Maryland.
Even though an actual decoy does not have to exactly resemble the
fowl it
is attempting
to attract, the displays you will see at the Championship will be
so life like you might think they will fly away in front of you.
There are many styles of decoys, and some of the styles you will see
will be from Chincoteague, Crisfield, Rock Hall, Susquehanna Flats
and other locations. The art of decoys is one of the true American
art forms, originated by Native Americans.
The actual commercial waterfowl hunting was banned in 1918 with the depletion of many of the species because of the use of the "Big Guns," the art has moved into a competitive avenue producing many of the "life-like" replicas you wil lsee at the Championship.
At the event you will see replicas of Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks, Red Heads, Canvasbacks, Canadian Geese, Teals, Wood Ducks, Whistling Swans, and many many more varieties of fowl. This is definitely an event to plan for.
The Chesapeake Bay Marine Maritime homepage, a splendid site to visit that the duck hunting information above and the Big Gun boat picture was derived..
An example of life like carvings of hooded mergansers at
the Ward World Carving Championship
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The quality of carvings at the
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Coming to Roland E. Powell Convention Center
41st Street & Ocean Highway Ocean City Maryland
WARD MUSEUM OF WILDFOWL ART 1-410-742-4988
Ward Museum
909 S. Schumaker Drive
Salisbury, MD 21804
and technical skill of the carver, and assure that carvers of
like ability compete against each other. There are four basic
levels - Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and World - at the Ward
World Championship.
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This level is reserved for entry-level carvers. Carvers who win
a Best in Division at the Novice level are required to advance
to the Intermediate level; those who win consistent blue ribbons
are encouraged to advance. Novice carvers compete for ribbons
and rosettes.
: This level includes carvers who have advanced beyond the entry
level. Carvers who win two Best in Division at the Intermediate
level are required to advance to the Advanced level; those who
win consistent blue ribbons are encouraged to advance.
Intermediate carvers compete for cash awards, ribbons and
rosettes.
: This level represents
advanced amateur and professional carvers, including those who
have obtained top rankings in competitions. Entrants compete for
Best in Show and cash awards.
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The Ward Master's Class opens up opportunities for Champion
carvers to achieve a new level of excellence in their art, and
also to be recognized and honored with awards at this most
competitive level, the Master's Class. The Master's Class is not
a purchase award level.
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The five World Divisions provide the opportunity for Advanced
level carvers to compete in special purchase award divisions for
the title of World Champion. These are elite divisions for those
carvers whose sculpture demonstrates the highest level of
artistry and technique. Judging standards are the most
demanding,
with the very best carvings earning the title Best in World and
a purchase I award. Divisions refer to the types of carvings,
and assure that like carvings are judged together. Many of the
divisions have specific judging requirements. Divisions are
distinguished by letter codes. Youth division entries are marked
by a green banner and Shootin’ Stool, Smoothie and Lem and Steve
Competitors Divisions are marked by tan banners. Other divisions
are arranged within the Advanced, Intermediate and Novice
levels.
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