The 28th Annual

CARVING

This annual festival is an opportunity to view and purchase the works of some of the finest craftsmen from across the country. Their hand-carved decoys, pens, feathers, fish and other items are truly works of art. Local carvers from the Back Bay and Currituck Sound area still use the traditional techniques that made their decoys so collectable. The decorative, working and miniature decoys as well as shorebirds, song birds and birds of prey and many others are exhibited.

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

The fine art and photography focuses on another aspect of the festival. The subject matter range from antique decoys, wildfowl landscapes, puppies playing with hunting or fishing gear, ducks and other waterfowl, to a variety of wildlife from around the world. The artwork and photography is realistic and often poetic. The artwork would be the perfect enhancement for your home, office or an unforgettable gift.

A black and white limited edition print "Wood Duck in the Ivy" by nationally acclaimed artist Beverly Abbott, will be given to the first 800 patrons to attend the festival.

ANTIQUE DECOYS & ARTIFACTS

Take a journey back in time and see actual decoys and artifacts used by watermen of years past. The antique decoy exhibitors are invited to display 10 to 15 decoys from their collection. A ribbon is awarded to the exhibit that is judged the best collection of an old tradition and does the best job educating the public about antique decoys. The competition is open to the public. Anyone interested please contact Jim Mehne (jmehne@aol.com).

MUSEUM STORE

The Museum Store is the primary place to purchase not only a variety of wildfowl related gifts but a large assortment of jewelry, unique beach bags, glassware, books and the only source of the DVD Duck Carvers of the Tidewater.

OTHER EXHIBITORS

In addition to the wildlife collectables available a wide selection of wood for carving, carving tools, knives and bits, carving books, birding books, beautiful pottery, pens and jewelry are available.

PAST SPECIAL EXHIBITORS

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Ducks Unlimited
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay Restoration Foundation
Virginia Beach Audubon Society
And many more

This festival offers you a great opportunity to become better acquainted with wildlife attractions in our area.

FESTIVAL EVENTS:

Mid-Atlantic Carving Competition

The carving competition has always been one of the most well attended events of the Festival. Some of the best carvers throughout the country will have pieces in the competition. In addition to viewing these extraordinary pieces of work, you can observe the judges and how they determine winners in each category. Judging takes place on Saturday, October 6th. Please click on Mid-Atlantic Carving Competition above for details on entering your carving in this year’s festival.

Children's Decoy Painting

Open to all children 12 years and under. This year they will be painting a miniature Canvasback. Each child will be able to go home with their own decoy and a ribbon. This has always been a very popular event for the children. The children's decoy painting will be sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shop. Come and bring the kids, this is a great time.

Auction

This event has always been one of the highlights of the festival and is open to all. There will be a wide variety of decoys (decorative and working class), paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, decorative items for the home, office or a great gift.

The auction begins at 4:00p.m.on Saturday October 6th, 2007 come early and preview the many items that will be auctioned.

Drawing for AWHM raffle

This year's first prize is a decorative Cinnamon Teal carved by Mike Steed, second prize is a Bronze Miniature Dudley by Turner Sculpture and the third prize is a commemorative brick placed near the Wildfowl Sculpture located at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum entrance. Tickets are available at the Museum prior to the festival and on sale at the festival prior to the drawing at 3pm Sunday. Tickets: 3 - $10 or 6 - $15

FOOD AVAILABLE IN CAFETERIA

Hamburgers (Angus), hotdogs (Nathan’s), BBQ, frenchfries, chili, pizza soup, chips, drinks and desserts will be for sale. If you are hungry we will feed you!

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office Dare Program.

FREE PARKING

If you are interested in obtaining a booth please contact: Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum 757-437-8432