Wildfowl carving event to be virtually modified April 23-25

The Ward Foundation, the nonprofit that operates the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art and hosts the historic Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md., has made the decision to hold a virtually modified, three-day event Friday-Sunday, April 23-25.

Since 1971, the Ward World Championship has attracted hundreds of carvers and thousands of spectators from all over the world. With large gatherings still limited in Maryland and international travel to the United States restricted for many countries, the Ward Foundation organizers believes a world championship just wouldn’t be the same, which has led to the event modifications. The event’s programming will be held across multiple platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

Over the course of three days, the Ward Foundation will host an exciting lineup of virtual carving classes, workshops, demonstrations, and talks with world-renowned, award-winning artists. Those who attend the modified event will get to experience personal tours of famous carvers’ workshops, receive an in-depth analysis of what judges look for in a Best in World carving, participate in live carving and critique sessions, and more.

The championship will still have competitive components. Carvers from all over can mail in carvings to compete in 12 unique categories that will be judged live and in person at the Ward Museum.

The benefit art auction of wildfowl art is being moved to an online platform that will enable collectors and enthusiasts to bid on a variety of pieces from the comfort of their own homes all weekend long.

For more information, go to wardmuseum.org.