Ward Worlds Virtual Programming

VIDEOS

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Facebook Live: Judging

Champagne Waterfowl, Wildfowl, and Fish Judging (Live Stream Recording)

Shorebird Decoys, Miniature Divisions, and Feathers Judging (Live Stream Recording)

Decorative Lifesize Floating & Single Gunner Judging (Live Stream Recording)

Single Gunner, Contemporary Antique, and Youth Silhouette Judging (Live Stream Recording)

Jeff Bounds: The Spirit of the Ward World Championship

As we come closer to the kick-off of the virtually modified competition, we want to thank long-serving Ward World Championship volunteer Jeff Bounds for this touching reminder on why Worlds is so important to so many people. The spirit of this celebrated competition goes beyond blue ribbons and first place wins – it’s about camaraderie and fellowship, it’s about family and tradition, and it’s about the mutual love and appreciation for a remarkable art form. We hope you join us this weekend to experience the spirit of the Ward World Championship!

Rich Smoker: Memories, Classes, and Moments from the Ward World Championship

As we close the chapter on another incredible Ward World Championship, Ward Foundation Chairman Rich Smoker reflects on five decades of history and what the competition means to him and others deeply involved in the event’s legacy. We couldn’t agree more with these words from Rich: “To me, this has gone beyond competition, this is a realm of enjoyment, I’m going to remember these days forever.” A sincere thank you to everyone who helped make this past weekend so very special!

Living Legends Spotlight with Dan Burgette

All weekend long we’ll celebrate the three 2020-2021 Living Legends during the virtual Ward World Championship. Join us every day at noon for new interviews with these amazing artists. First up is Dan Burgette, of Tetonia, ID. Dan has been carving for more than 40 years and won his first Best in World for Interpretive Wood Sculpture in 2001. He has since won many other ribbons for interpretive and bronze work, including Best in World in the Interpretive category again in 2011, and Best in Show Wildlife Sculpture in 2018, both at the Ward World Championship. Here Dan talks with Ward Museum executive director, Kristin Sullivan, about his career as a sculptor, and lessons learned along the way.

Living Legends Spotlight with Jett Brunet

Welcome back to our Living Legend spotlights! Today we’re excited to celebrate Jett Brunet–one of the three 2020-2021 Living Legends, alongside Dan Burgette and Larry Barth. Jett comes from a decoy-making dynasty. He’s the son of 2014 Living Legend Tan Brunet and brother to champion carver Jude Brunet. He grew up watching his father carve, as well as legend Jimmie Vizier; and by age 21 Jett was a World Champion–winning the Best in World title in the Pairs division. He’s since won Best in World again in Pairs, as well as two Best in World titles in the Interpretive division. In all-he has more than 35 Best in Show awards, and he is a massive inspiration for carvers around the world. Here Jett talks with Ward Museum executive director Kristin Sullivan about his inspiration, mentors, and the many facets of his illustrious career. Congratulations Jett Brunet, on becoming a Ward Foundation Living Legend!

Living Legends Spotlight with Larry Barth

Welcome back to our Living Legend spotlights! Today we’re excited to celebrate Larry Barth–one of the three 2020-2021 Living Legends, alongside Dan Burgette and Jett Brunet. Larry’s award-winning pieces have been shown at museums and in private collections around the world, and through publications such as “Larry Barth: Birds, Art, and Design”. In 1985 Larry won his first Best in World title at the Ward World Championship; and as of 2019 he has taken this award 17 times—more than any other artist in the history of the competition. Here Larry talks with Ward Museum executive director Kristin Sullivan about his inspiration, mentors, how he became regarded as a “master of simplicity”, and much more. Congratulations Larry Barth, on becoming a Ward Foundation Living Legend!

Alex Rios Fernandez: Wildfowl Carving Session in Spanish

Alex Rios Fernandez recounts his first participation in the competition and shows the process he uses for carving. English subtitles.

Follow Alex Rios Fernandez on Instagram, YouTube.

Ross Smoker: Studio Tour and Demo

Follow Ross Smoker on Instagram or visit his website.

Roe Terry: Hatchet Carving Demo

Join Roe Terry as he demonstrates decoy carving with a hatchet.

Richard Snyder: Getting Started with Habitat

Follow Richard Snyder on Facebook.

Pam Wilson: The Brits Are Coming

Some memories from the BDWCA’s adventures across the pond to come to the Ward World Championship. Check out the BDWCA website.

ZOOM RECORDINGS

Larry Barth: Live Zoom Inside the Studio with Larry Barth

Anthony Donato & Tom Matus: Video/Zoom on Wildfowl References

Follow Anthony Donato on Facebook

Rich & Ross Smoker: Questions & Answers for Beginner Carvers

Follow Rich Smoker on Instagram or Facebook. Follow Ross Smoker on Instagram or visit his website.

Zoom Round Table

Zooms that were held but recordings did not take

Dr. Aaron Buffardi: Live Zoom on Carving Ergonomics: Work Smarter, Carver Better

Tommy Stewart: Live Zoom: Shorebirds from Observation to Art

Follow Tommy Stewart on Instagram and Etsy.

Zoom Critiques

Saturday carvers critiquing: Del Herbert, Josh Guge

Sunday carvers critiquing: Pete Palumbo, Anthony Donato

A chat with carvers that compete at the World Level.

VIDEOS

No registration needed for videos.

2021 Ward World Championship – Virtual Edition (DAY 1)

Welcome to the virtual edition of the Ward World Championship! Today we are bringing you a detailed tour of the famous Ward brothers workshop in Crisfield, MD, and two incredible demonstrations from carving greats Dick Snyder and Tom Christie. Dick will be providing a thorough overview on how to construct a habitat (explain habitat), and Tom is giving a painting demonstration of a gadwall drake (part 2 of this demonstration will air tomorrow). We hope you’ve enjoyed all of the action so far – if you haven’t had a chance to check out the live stream of the judging, or our first Living Legends highlight with Dan Burgette, you’ll definitely want to check that out! Don’t forget to check out our Benefit Auction full of original art at: https://givegrove.com/worldsauction2021/​ The Ward World Championship is supported in part through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council, Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and Maryland Traditions and through the generosity of members and friends like you – thank you!

2021 Ward World Championship – Virtual Edition (DAY 2)

What a weekend! We’re on day two of the virtually modified Ward World Championship and wanted to share some more from some of our amazing carving community. In this video you’ll get a carving demonstration from Roe “Duc Man” Terry, a studio tour from Al Jordan, part two of painting a gadwall with Tom Christie, visits from friends in Japan and the U.K., a tour of the Ward Museum, and more. We hope you enjoy! The Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Arts Festival is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and Maryland Traditions, the Worcester County Arts Council, Salisbury-Wicomico County Arts Council, Lew and Nancy Pearce, Gary and Pam Stenger, Karl and Deb Yankey, and members and friends like you. Thank you!

2021 Ward World Championship – Virtual Edition (DAY3)

Hard to believe the weekend is already over! We’ve had such a blast sharing this event with everyone and are so glad you chose to join us. On day three of the virtually modified Ward World Championship, we’re bringing you an incredible demonstrations with Pat Godin on carving and finishing feathers, a look at Anthony Donato’s aviary, and messages from our international friends in England and Japan, and much more. We hope you enjoy the final day of the 2021 Ward World Championship! The Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Arts Festival is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and Maryland Traditions, the Worcester County Arts Council, Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, Lew and Nancy Pearce, Gary and Pam Stenger, Karl and Deb Yankey, and members and friends like you. Thank you!

Tom Christie: Painting a Gadwall Drake Demo

Visit Tom Christie’s website.

Pat Godin: Carving & Finishing Feathers Demo

Visit Pat Godin’s website.

Al Jordan: Studio Tour

Visit Al Jordan’s website.

Rich Smoker: Ward Brothers Workshop Tour

Follow Rich Smoker on Instagram or Facebook.

Mark Madden: Saw Whet Owl Demo

Follow Mark on his Facebook group for the complete Saw Whet Owl Demo or visit his website to learn more with Mark.

Ben Suzuki: Japan Wildfowl Carving Competition

Visit the Japan Wildfowl Carving Competition website.