Classes: Four day~Three day~Two day Conference: Carving Conference Seminars: Six hour~Four hour~Two hour~One hour

The Ward Museum is pleased to offer an exciting lineup of classes from master carvers throughout the United States and Canada. These classes give students the one-on-one carving instruction that can shape their future careers.

General Information: All classes are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. A $100 non-refundable deposit must be submitted with the application for each class. Full payment must be received by March 31, 2008, which guarantees your class enrollment. A materials list and confirmation letter will be sent to each participant upon registration.

Refund Policy: Tuition refunds are honored up to March15, 2008. The Ward Museum reserves the right to cancel any class up to the time of the class' delivery. If the museum cancel the class, all tuitions for that specified class are refunded.

Class Size: The class size maximum is 15 students. A minimum of 10 students is required for the class to be held. The amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Ward Museum and the instructor.

FOUR-DAY CLASSES | Top
April 21 - 24 (Monday through Thursday)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*FULL* BOB GUGE - Carve and Paint a 2/3 size Woodcock *FULL*
$450 M, $500 N/M
This class has been developed by Bob with input from previous attendees. The primary emphasis of this class is on painting. In class you receive a study cast and a tupelo blank. Your finished bird is nestled among leaves, as you would see it in nature. Class held at Holiday Inn

Bob's Bio: Bob has won many prestigious awards during his 30 year career, including five World Championships. He is a respected judge at the World Championships, has co-authored several books and has several cast birds available as a teaching tool. He is considered to be an excellent teacher who helps each student reach his or her next skill level.

RICHARD FINCH - Carve and Paint a Carolina Wren
$450 M, $500 N/M
In this workshop learn the non-complicated technique Richard uses to achieve depth of color on his carvings. He takes you through the steps of texturing and detailing an area, then layering oil paint as you go. Say "goodbye" to water and acrylic and "hello" to turpenoid and oils. Students receive a tupelo blank and detailed plan to pre-carve the basic body upon receipt of full tuition payment, so sign up early to allow plenty of time to get your blank ready to texture, burn and paint. Your finished bird is mounted on two wire legs. Toes may be added if time allows. Class held at Holiday Inn.

Richard's Bio: Richard is a frequent winner at the World Championship. In 2007 he won Best in Masters, Life-size Wildfowl, with a Carolina wren in 2007. He also took 2nd place in the same division. In 2006, he took 1st and 3rd in Masters Life-size Wildfowl. His carvings are known for their great detail and depth of color.

THREE-DAY CLASSES | Top
April 22 - 24 (Tuesday through Thursday)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

RICH SMOKER - Carve and Paint a Ward Brothers Style 1921 Black Duck
$360 M, $400 N/M
Join us to carve and paint a 1921 Ward Brothers Style Black Duck. Starting with white cedar wood you shape this rather uncommon styled bird with your influences. Techniques used in the original are incorporated and discussed as we work. Painting techniques used on the oil paint original are utilized, including wet on wet, dry brush, blending and the instructor's favorite, scratch painting. You won't want to miss the drying and aging grand finale! All the techniques in class will help you learn to create your own contemporary antique decoy. Class held at the Princess Bayside

Rich's Bio: A former avian taxidermist, Rich began carving his own decoys the 1960's. He has participated in carving competitions throughout his carving career as an organizer, competitor, and judge. His many winnings include 3rd best of show at the World level Life-size Wildfowl and at the 2007 World Championships he won best in Smoothie Shorebirds, 2nd and 3rd best in Smoothie Wildfowl, and 1st in Geese and Confidence category in the Contemporary Antique Division. He has participated as a master carver in the Maryland Traditions Folk Art Apprentice program. He is a very patient, sharing teacher who believes that students should have fun while learning the fundamentals of carving.

DEL HERBERT - Carve and Paint a Ruddy Turnstone
$360 M, $400 N/M
Join World Champion Herbert as he takes you through the steps involved in carving and airbrush painting a Ruddy Turnstone in the gunning shorebird genre. Del covers color theory, mixing colors for softness, airbrush exercises, feather layout, use of templates and finish painting. The class emphasizes airbrush techniques which are applicable to all forms of wildfowl art. A Duxbury partially finished wooden blank will be provided. The first day is spent completing carving and setting eyes. The second and third days are spent painting. Class held at the Castle in the Sand

Del's Bio: Carving since 1985, Del has taken over 50 Best in Division awards throughout the country, including at the World Championship, Best in World Shootin Rig in 1998. His entry is on exhibit at the Smithsonian. In 2007 he took 2nd and 3rd place in Smoothie Shorebirds. He authored Championship Service Class Shorebirds with a companion DVD. He is a very popular teacher known for his shorebirds and his mastery of the use of the airbrush.

ROSALYN DAISEY - Carve and Paint a Downy Woodpecker
$360 M, $400 N/M
Join Rosalyn to learn a realistic and accurate depiction of the downy woodpecker. Burning and stoning techniques, composition and habitat designs, and theory, application and naturalistic painting instruction with emphasis on realism and softness will be covered in the class. You will start with a blank on the first day and leave with a finished project. Class held at the Princess Bayside

Rosalyn's Bio:Rosalyn is an extremely respected wildfowl carver and teacher in the carving community. Due to her extensive teaching experience, she knows the problem areas of students' carvings and addresses their needs with her drawings, photographs, and text in the five books that she has written: Songbird Carving, Songbird Carving II, Shorebird Carving, Upland Game Bird Carving, and Baby Bird and Chick Carving. Her classes are known for the Rosalyn knows the problem areas of her students' carvings and addresses those needs with her drawings, photographs, and text. This is an excellent class for the beginner as well as the intermediate carver.

TWO-DAY CLASSES | Top
April 23 - 24 (Wednesday through Thursday)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*FULL* PAT GODIN - Getting Hens Softer *FULL*
$360 M, $400 N/M
Carvers of waterfowl have always been greatly challenged by the task of painting the complex patterns of the hens of the Marsh Duck species. In this two-day seminar Pat explains and demonstrates the techniques he has developed over the last 25 years to paint the Mallard Hen. Students have a resin casting to paint or may choose to pre-carve and paint on their own carving. Pat shows the logical sequence of steps to develop a variety of values and rich colors characteristic of this duck. Several blending techniques to enhance the softness of the feather patterns are also shown. Special emphasis is placed on the development of the illusion of translucence, three-dimensional effects and the refinement of detail. Class held at the Castle in the Sand

Pat's Bio: A World Champion Carver since age 21, Pat is one of the most versatile and well known carvers of the day. He has won Best in the World titles in four of the five categories as well as placing 2nd and 3rd numerous times. Pat's bachelor's degree Wildlife Biology, and masters Waterfowl Ecology, with a concentration on ornithology, has set his foundation for his creativity and artistic ability to create masterful, life-like carvings. He is also successful author and sought after teacher.

BRUCE LEPPER - Aspects of Habitat, Design Techniques
$325 M, $360 N/M
There are many ways of creating believable habitat for songbird compositions. In this workshop you explore techniques for making leaves out of brass, branches in steel and/or brass, as well as, berries, small fruit and seed pods in a variety of materials. You may try your hand at various projects so that you can take the skills learned here and apply them to your own future compositions. Work with a power carver for some projects, a butane torch (or oxy/acetylene little torch if you have one) for others and modeling clay for others. Time permitting, Bruce will cover painting tips for these habitat projects. Class held at Cocnut Malorie

Bruce's Bio: : After a career as advertising art director and graphic designer, Bruce began carving full time in 1986. He began competing and has won numerous best in shows in the US and Canada. In 1999 and 2003, he placed 2nd in World, Decorative Miniature Wildfowl, in 2003 he won Best in Master's Life-size Wildfowl in 2006 took 2nd in Master's Life-size. His sculptures are known for representing the environment or habitat appropriate to the particular species. He has a talent for conveying his knowledge to his students. His classes are full of "how to" demonstrations.

KEITH MUELLER - Carve and Paint a Keel-billed Toucan
$360 M, $400 N/M
Decoys originally designed as functional tools now become functional art and “photographer decoys”. The bird will be painted using your choice of acrylics or oil in traditional plumage patterns or with simulated age using wear techniques for an authentic look. Artistic concepts of design are discussed and demonstrated, giving many options for making a unique bird. Final piece is mounted on a stick. Keith also teaches a seminar on birds of the cloud and rain forest on Sunday at the Ocean City Convention Center. Class held at Princess Bayside.

Keith's Bio: As a wildlife artist/sculptor for 30 years, Keith is known as one of the best who keeps trying to push the art form to a higher level. He has won the title of World Champion five times, authored several books and articles, and developed the Keith Mueller Color System. His students praise his ability to convey his extensive knowledge.

Growing from the Ward Museum's dedication and interest in professional development, an educational conference format during the World Championship weekend was established. Designed to meet the needs of the professional or amateur carver, the conference includes a variety of seminars ranging in time from one to six hours. Held on the second floor of the convention center, participants can enjoy these learning opportunities without leaving the action of the World Championship.

The "ALL ACCESS CONFERENCE PASS" gains you general admission to all of our One-Hour Seminars, and guaranteed seating in our Two-Hour, Three-Hour, and Six-Hour seminars, upon selection during registration.

CONFERENCE PRICING:
(M = member, NM = non-member)
Early Bird All Access Conference Pass*: .. . . . . . . . $100 M
All Access Conference Pass: . . . ... . . . . $125 M, $150 NM
Friday Day Pass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 M, $60 NM
Saturday Day Pass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 M, $60 NM
Sunday Day Pass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 M, $60 NM


* The World Competition 'All Access Conference Pass' Early Bird Registration Special for $100 is offered for members only until January 30, 2008.

SIX-HOUR SEMINARS | Top
April 25 (Friday) 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$50 M, $60 N/M

*FULL* Glenn McMurdo - Perfecting Your Feathers *FULL*
This class uses 5" x 6" teaching boards to practice texturing a variety of feathers. Learn mixing and blending techniques, as well as pointers in purchasing supplies. All materials are provided.

Glenn's Bio: As a full time professional carver, Glenn spends a great deal of time studying and filming wildfowl in nature and collecting skins for inspection for details of feathers. He teaches carving and painting and judges competitions throughout the US and Canada.

Noel Justice - Carving 101: Great for Beginners!
The Carving 101 class introduces you to what you need to get started whether it's a new hobby or just a refresher course. You leave at the end of the day with a completed project that you carved and painted yourself, along with inspiration to continue this exciting yet relaxing hobby. Noel is an avid carver and excellent teacher who loves to share his knowledge. All tools and materials are provided.

Noel's Bio:Noel Justice, a local Architect, has been teaching woodcarving and the art of creating decorative decoys at the Ward Museum for over six years. Noel also teaches art and other classes including; blacksmithing, tinsmithing, ship model building, and basic drawing at various local museums. Working along with other artisans and students keeps the inspiration going for him. Noel grew up in New England, and now resides in Bethel, Delaware.

THREE-HOUR SEMINARS | Top
April 26 (Saturday) 9 a.m. - Noon
$30 M, $45 NM

Glenn Ladenberger - Making Your Paasche AB Airbrush Work for You
Learn the mechanisms that make up this paint delivery system and different ways to control the brush behavior. Bring your own airbrush (optional) to learn the proper use and set-up of this often challenging airbrush. Glenn is back by popular demand, demonstrating his distinctive techniques.

Glenn's Bio: Glenn has won the Best in World Life-size Championship twice with numerous other Best in Show awards at the Worlds and other competitions in the US and Canada. He has had much success in teaching students to become winners at the World championship. He is known for his knowledge about techniques using the airbrush and his ability to share his knowledge through his teaching and his articles that he has written for Wildfowl Carving Magazine.

Jeff Rechin - The Art of Carving a King Penguin
Jeff demonstrates the process of working a clay model to generate a wood carving. He discusses the importance of anatomy and making layouts as well as incorporating the unique personality and "attitude" of each bird. Learn what makes a penguin distinctive and different from other birds and how to animate your bird. Learn how to bring your bird alive. Use these techniques with all of your birds. Different types of clay will be covered.

Jeff's Bio: Jeff, a full time professional carver, has been a carving and painting instructor of decoys and decorative birds for many years. He is a two time World Champion in Decorative Miniature Wildfowl division, one with a group of three penguins. He is a respected judge at the World Championships

TWO-HOUR SEMINARS | Top
April 26 (Saturday) 9-11 a.m.
$20 M, $30 NM

Floyd Scholz - Raptor Dynamics, Capturing the "Look"
It's that certain something that catches your eye. A carved Raptor so compelling as to transcend its humble origins as a block of wood. What is it, besides the obvious color difference that makes a Red-tailed Hawk a Red-tailed Hawk and not a Harris Hawk? Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles are both large birds of prey called "Eagle" …but that's where the similarity ends! Do you know why?? Join Floyd Scholz for this highly informative seminar as he brings to light the subtle dynamics involved in capturing the "LOOK" of this exciting family of aerial predators! From ear tufts to talons you'll gain a better understanding of your subject enabling you to inject that spark of life into your own carvings!

Floyd's Bio:A professional carver since 1983 and in his 36th year of carving, Floyd is universally recognized as a top carver of birds in the world. His portrayal of eagles, hawks, owls and many other large birds has won him a large international following and many top awards at major shows throughout the country. He is an articulate, energetic teacher who loves to share his knowledge with others.

David Wagner, Ph.D. - Author of American Wildlife Art and Museum Director/Curator
Dr. David Wagner presents a slide lecture on American Wildlife Art which coincides with the release of his new book of the same title http://www.american-wildlife-art.com/. American Wildlife Art will be available for purchase and signing by the author at the show. Get your copy signed after his presentation. Dr. Wagner's book has received rave reviews.

"David Wagner's prodigious research ability has produced what will undoubtedly prove to be the definitive work on the history of American wildlife art. While others have written on particular facets of the subject, Wagner ties all the strands of the story together and presents it to the reader in a beautifully written illustrated synthesis."

John F. Reiger, Author, American Sportsmen and the Origins of Conservation
Professor, Ohio University-Chillicothe
Former Executive Director, Connecticut Audubon Society

David's bio and more information about the book
Registration form

ONE-HOUR SEMINARS | Top
April 25 - 27 Friday through Sunday

1 Seminar Ticket: ........................................$10 M, $15 NM
5 Seminar Tickets: .......................................$40 M, $55 NM
All One-Hour Seminars: .............................$80 M, $95 NM

Enrich your World Competition weekend experience with our one-hour seminars. World Champion carvers and instructors are lined up to deliver a variety of topics. One-Hour Seminars are general admission, first-come, first served. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Friday:

10 - 11 a.m. Ben Welton - Brant Foundations' Research and Conservation Efforts
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Jean Minaudier - The Making of a Winner, "Suzie & Sweet Sixteen."
1:30 - 2:30 Richard Reeves - Finishing Techniques of a Winning Decorative World Pair
3:30 - 4:30 Panel Discussion featuring Tom Cornicelli, Tom Matus and Tom Christie - "Gunning Pairs"

Saturday:

1:00- 2:00 George Watson- Utilizing the expertise of an ornithologist and his resources
2:00 - 3:00 Larry Barth - Design Considerations for Feet
3:30 - 4:30 Arthur Leonard - Traditional hatchet carving demonstration and discussion.

Sunday:

10:00 - 11:00 Tom Christie - Developing a Successful Hunting Decoy Pattern
11: 30 - 12:30 Jeff Krete - Painting Miniature Wildfowl Sculpture
1:00 - 2:00 Keith Mueller - Birds of the Rain and Cloud Forests - Develop a carving using pictures as your reference