Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay and its waterfowl residents, decoy carvers have been creating Chesapeake Bay Decoy masterpieces in Talbot County, Maryland for generations. The fall season is a special time to visit the Eastern Shore and see for yourself where art and sport converge.
Today, a handful of whittlers continue the proud Chesapeake Bay tradition of decoy carving, a tradition which is celebrated in Talbot County and across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Fall, November in particular, is a spectacular time to visit Talbot County to learn more about this traditional art form. As the home base of the auction house Guyette and Deeter, Inc., some of the most important decoy collections in North America have passed through Talbot County.
This auction house has logged more than $305 million in sales, and the decoys that have passed through these doors wind up in private collections all over the world, from France to China to Australia. Whether you wish to bid or not, you can get a taste of the action at the famous fall auction, which takes place in early November and is one of the largest on the East Coast.
However, this is hardly the only spot where you can check out this art form. There are plenty of local galleries and boutiques selling carved, signed decoys handcrafted by regional artisans.
This September, decoy devotees can participate in the Sam Dyke Memorial “Old Bird” Antique Decoy Competition at Easton High School. Visitors can enter their own working decoy made before 1950 on the Friday of the event for judging on Saturday and take home a ribbon! Decoys are judged in ten different categories. While registration is free, donations are encouraged to support the Ward Foundation’s mission to preserve artistic traditions and community heritage.
Plus, each November you can check out some of the finest local workmanship, along with that of international carvers, at the annual Waterfowl Festival.
An Event that Honors the Eastern Shore Way of Life
The Annual Waterfowl Festival flies into downtown Easton every November and is the quintessential purveyor of Eastern Shore culture and heritage. The festival hosts many events and exhibits including plenty of opportunities to delve into decoys.
The Annual Decoy Tailgate Show takes place the Tuesday through Thursday before the Waterfowl Festival at the Talbot County Community Center and features more than 150 different vendors from all over the country. Vendors display their work and have working decoys, carved decoys, artwork, sculptures, antiques and more for sale.
Waterfowl Festival goers can also view artwork created specifically to celebrate the event’s dedication to preserving artistic traditions of the Chesapeake Bay. The pieces are crafted by three featured artists: graphite artist Ray Brown, master sculptor Paul Rhymer, and award-winning decoy carver Randy Conner, to commemorate the Waterfowl Festival’s 55th anniversary.
