16th New England Woodcarving and Wildlife Art Festival

 

www.valleyshorewaterfowlers.org

 

                                SCHEDULE OF EVENTS                                  

 

March 3-6, Monday through Thursday:  Mailed in entries

 

March 7, Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.: Set up, early registration, hospitality

 

March 8, Saturday: Registration 7:30 to 11:00 a.m., show opens to public at 10 a.m.  Judging begins noon, show closes at 5 p.m.  Auction goes on display.  Show open to participants until 9 p.m.

 

March 9, Sunday: Show opens to public at 9:30 a.m. Judging of wildlife art, photography, miniature decoy exchange, viewer choice.  Entry pickup at 3 p.m. Auction starts 3 p.m.  Show closes 4 p.m.

 

March 10, Monday: UPS mail-ins returned

 

                                GENERAL RULES                                           

 

1.    This year’s event is in part IWCA (International Wildfowl    Carvers Assoc.). To enter those events designated IWCA, the carver must be a member of that group.  (We can register carvers at this show for those events.  A $20 registration fee is required). Those events not requiring IWCA membership are listed as “Open to All”.

 

2.    We have revised how a carver is described in that the traditional Open or Professional, Amateur, and Novice titles are different as follows:

 

       A. Novice is now “Beginners”.  This is in keeping with the show’s focus on Youth or Beginning carvers.  The union between this show, Ducks Unlimited’ New Conservationists and the Connecticut DEP “No Child Left Inside” is intended to focus on bringing new people to this special world.

 

           There are no entry fees for Beginners in any subject.  Beginners will have each piece judged separately and an evaluation card will be given.  From the point totals, the judges will award 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best in Show.

 

      B.  Amateur is now “Apprentice”.  We thought that this term reflects the progress towards “Carver” status.  Entry fees vary although generally $20 the first and $5 each thereafter up to $40.

    

      C.  Open or Professional is now “Carver”.  Woodcarver, bird carver, fish carver, etc.  All reflect the accomplishment of being regarded as a carver.  Entry fees vary slightly, although for a Carver is $25 the first and $5 each thereafter up to $50.

 

      D.  Juniors.  Solely defined by age, up to and including 17 years, with no entry fee.

 

      E.   All team carvings must be so noted on entry forms.

 

                 F.   All entries will have been completed after November 2006.

 

      G.   MAIL-INS:  All mail-ins must be shipped UPS with a return payment made.  They should be scheduled to arrive no later than    

            5 p.m., Thursday, March 6 at:

 

            New England Woodcarving and Wildlife Festival  (NEWWAF)

            795 Hoop Pole Road

            Guilford, CT 06437

            Attn:  Larry Appleton

            1-203-457-1751

            email:  lsa795lca@aol.com

 

 We will inform you if anything goes wrong in the shipping.  Some damage the judges may be told to ignore.

 

       H.  Entry fees are listed for each group.

 

        I.   Rule clarifications may be directed to Larry Appleton,   1-203-457-1751 or lsa795lca@aol.com

 

     J.  Competitors receive two (2) show tags for both days.  Exhibitors receive the same.  Additional 2-day tickets may be purchased for $8.  People under 17 years of age get in free.  General admission is $8 per day.

 

     K.  Any carvers may contribute to the auction for the same entry fee elimination and benefits offered to bird carvers.

 

     L.  All entries shall be made completely of wood. Metals for reinforcement may be utilized provided all such reinforcements are concealed.  Resins may be used to represent water in habitats.  All other materials shall be wood or wood products.

 

     M. No limits on the number of entries per category.

 

I.  Working Decoys General Rules

 

Working Decoys ARE ALL open – Decoy Makers.

Birds in this division are in two categories – IWCA birds and Non-IWCA birds.  The IWCA (International Wildfowl Carvers Association) requires membership in IWCA to compete in their IWCA classes.  We can register carvers for IWCA membership at the show for $20.  The Non-IWCA categories may be entered by anybody even though IWCA carving rules may apply.  The IWCA rules are on the home page of our website www.valleyshorewaterfowlers.org.

 

Birds must self-right from the upside down position for ducks and from the side for geese and swans.  Other detail requirements may be shown for each competition group.  A $25 entry fee plus $5 for each additional entry up to $50 (all thereafter are free) will be required to enter decoy categories.  A carver may avoid these fees by giving to the show a bird similar to one of those entered.  These birds go into a separate competition with its own prizes and finally to our auction.  The carver also received 40% of the auction price.  There are also several purchase awards which also go to our auction and also return 40% to the carver.  Any winning carver who does not desire to give up a winning bird “subject to purchases” may keep the bird and any ribbons but will not receive the prize money.  Any bird in the auction will also receive duplicate ribbons so that one set stays with the carver and one goes to the decoy’s purchase.

 

$10 is given to each first place entry in the competitions where stated.  However, it will take at least two entries in each category to generate the $10 payment.  The same is true for Best in Class.  Payment will require at least three entrants to have a class.  When a competitor enters the decoy competitions by giving in lieu of fees a single decoy or a single shorebird decoy in “Shorebirds”, that gift bird applies to all Decoy carving or Shorebird categories.

 

Classes                                                                         Bird Categories

                                    (See also Shorebird Categories)

 

PUDDLE DUCKS:               Mallards, gadwalls, widgeon, wood ducks, teal (all), black ducks, pintails, shovelers

 

SEA DUCKS:                       Common eiders, common and American merganser, scoters (all), red breasted mergansers, old squaw

 

DIVERS:                               Hooded mergansers, scaup, buffleheads, golden eye, canvasbacks, redheads, ruddy ducks, ring necks, harlequins

 

GOOSE/CONFIDENCE:     Canadas, snows, cormorants, swans, other geese, gulls (all), grebes, brant, loons, coot, etc.

 

Specifically, those species likely to be found in New England waters (Maine to New Jersey).  “All” also means large groups of birds; i.e., scoters, for example, that should entries permit, any of these classes might be broken down further; i.e., surf scoters, white wings, etc., that would go also for teal, etc.

 

I-A.   IWCA Style Decoy Division – IWCA Qualifier

          $25 First Entry, $5 each thereafter up to $50.  IWCA membership required.

 

The first show competition and the IWCA’s most detailed category.  See our website home page for IWCA rules.  Only our classes – Puddle Ducks, Sea Ducks, Divers and Goose/Confidence.  (Detailed list follows).  Birds may be cord, wood or stretched canvas.  Ribbons: First Place to Honorable Mention.  Each First Place receives $10; four Best of Class receive $25 each.  Best in Show $250, 2nd Best in Show $125, 3rd Best in Show $100; plus rosettes.

 

I-B.   IWCA Working Decoy Division – IWCA Qualifier

         $25 first entry, $5 thereafter up to $50.  IWCA membership required.  Best in Show through 3rd Best in Show are purchase  awards.  See also our website home page for IWCA rules.  Only four classes – Puddle Ducks, Sea Ducks, Divers, Goose/Confidence.  Ribbons: First through  Honorable Mention.  First Place receives $10, Best in Class (4) receives $25 each, Best in Show $250, 2nd Best in Show $150, and 3rd Best in Show, plus rosettes.

1-C.   Connecticut Decoy Championship

          $25 first entry, $5 each thereafter up to $50.  This event is open to all.  Best in Show through 3rd Best in Show are purchase awards.  See general notes.  Four classes – Puddle Ducks, Sea Ducks, Divers and Goose/Confidence.  Ribbons: First through Honorable Mention ($10 for First), Best in Class (4) receive $25 each, plus rosettes; Best of Show $250, 2nd Best of Show $150, 3rd Best in Show $100, plus rosettes.  Birds purchased here go to auction, 40% comes back to carver with ribbons.

 

I-D.   Connecticut Canvas Championship

          $25 first entry, $5 each thereafter up to $50. We will use IWCA rules (see our website home page), but for this year will be open to all.  Classes will be determined by participation.  IWCA rules call for Working Decoy details, but Canvas Decoy makers are “invited” to test their abilities with poses and the canvas.  Four (4) Best in Class $25 each; Best in Show $150, 2nd Best in Show $100, plus rosette, and 3rd Best in Show $75, plus rosette.

 

I-E.    Miniature Decoy Exchange

An idea borrowed from East Carolina – thanks!  Carver will make a miniature decoy of cork no longer than 5”, tail tip to breast, equipped with a keel and an anchor and an anchor line 18” long, capable of self-righting.  Entry fee $10.  Rosette to Best in Show $50, 2nd Best in Show $20, and 3rd Best in Show $15.  The Best in Show winner chooses a decoy from the group – but not his own, 2nd does the same, and so on, until all have selected someone else’s bird.  This year’s bird will be a Cork Canvasback Drake.

 

I-F.     Auction Class

           NO ENTRY FEE, OF COURSE .  As was previously   stated, any one seeking to avoid entry fees could help us finance this show by giving us a decoy for our auction.  These birds will be judged in a category of their own.  Best in Show $150, 2nd Best in Show $75, and 3rd Best in Show $50, plus rosettes.  These birds will enter the auction with 40% returned to the carver.

 

I-G.   Connecticut Junior Decoy Champion

Open to all up to and including age 17 with no entry fee.  A decoy carved and painted by the entrant.  IWCA rules apply (see website home page), all floated.  Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, 3rd Best in Show rosettes, plus merchandise award to Best.

 

II.   Shorebirds Are All Shorebird Decoy Carvers  (formerly Open or Professional)

       Shorebirds are characterized as any shore or wading bird  simply carved with or without bill detail as allowed, feather groups     

       portrayed with no individual feathers carved, painted with or without special detailing, and mounted on a single dowel secured to    

       a base.  Shore birds are essentially “smoothies”.  Entry fees are $20 for first entry, and $5 thereafter up to $40.

 

There are several finishes:

 

1.  Decoy paint – General painting without individual feather painting

2.  Natural finishes (stained, burned, or buried in  the mud to age)

3.  Finely detailed accurate paint, bill detail

 

      Anyone entering shorebird decoy competition can avoid fees by giving the auction a shorebird decoy.  This decoy goes into

      auction class competition, then to the auction.  In addition, 40% of the auction price comes back to the carver.

 

II-A.  Connecticut Shorebird Championships

           This championship is open to all.

 

 1.   Shorebirds painted in “decoy” style which is       defined as general massing of colors as opposed to specific feathers.     Bills appropriately shaped but not detailed . Texturing or combing is allowed.  Best of Show $100, plus rosette, ribbons.

 2.  Shorebirds natural finished decoy shorebird may be stained, torched, or buried in the mud for a year.  Correct bill shapes, only general bill detailing allowed.  Feather groups only with no specific feather detailed.  Best of Show $100, plus rosettes, ribbons.

     3.  Shorebirds finely, accurately painted, bill detail allowed.  Best of Show $100, plus rosettes, ribbons.

 

 II-B.  Connecticut Shorebird Juniors Championship

 No fee.  Open to all up to and including age 17 with no   entry fee for a decoy completely carved and painted by the entrant.   

 No restrictions.  Best of  Show, 2nd Best of Show, 3rd Best of  Show rosettes.            

          

III.     Bench Class

Bench class covers a number of favorite carving types not particularly suited to any other parts of the competition.  The real purpose of this class is to find new ideas.  Everyone is considered a carver and Beginners, Apprentices and Carvers will all participate together.  Entry fee is $15 for first entry and $5 each thereafter up to $40.  Also, in case nobody noticed, it’s several other chances at a Best in Show.  (FTFA).

 

III-A.  Heads

 Life-size head carvings, accurately painted.  May be “smoothie” or fully feathered.  Best in Show rosette and $75,

 ribbons.

    

III-B.  Antique decoys

            Not old, just believable fakes not specifically recalling any “old time” carver.  Best in Show rosettes and $35, ribbons.

 

III-C.  Antique Shorebirds

            Not old, just believable fakes not specifically recalling any “old time” carver.  Best in Show rosette and $35, ribbons.

 

III.D.  Table Birds

 Decorative life-size birds that the carver doesn’t  want floated or doesn’t fit life-size category criteria.  No carver level will be

 noted.  Best in  Show rosette and $35, ribbons.

 

III-E.  Too big or too small, (like loons, swans, geese, etc.)  Too small to be life-size but too big for miniature.  Best in Show rosettes   

             and $35, ribbons.

 

III-F.  Best Wood Burning Of A Bird

Accurately wood burned, feathered in the round, relief or may even be a wood burned picture of a bird.  Best of Class rosette

and $35, ribbons.

 

III-G.  Unusual Interpretations

 Any use of unusual carving or carving interpretation.  We’re looking for new ideas. Best in  Show rosette and $35, ribbons. 

 

III-H.  Best of Bench

 A largely subjective evaluation by the judges bearing in mind that they are also seeking those original ideas.  Best in Show

rosette and $50, ribbons.  (FTFA).

 

IV.     Floating Decoratives

IWCA on open (Bird Carvers only); Apprentices and Beginners open to all

Will be floated.  As with decoys, it will, in judging, take two (2) birds to make a species and three (3) to make a class. Otherwise, judging of classes will be combined.  All entries will be accurately carved and fully feathered and will float appropriately to species.

 

IV-A.  Bird Carver – IWCA (formerly Open or  Professional) – IWCA Qualifier

 Entry fee $25 for first, $5 each thereafter up to $50.  Ribbons: First to Honorable Mention, up to Four (4) Best in Class at $25

each if entries are available; Best in Show $200, 2nd Best in Show $125, 3rd Best in Show $75, plus rosettes

 

IV-B.  Apprentice (formerly Amateur) – Open to All

 $20 entry fee for first, $5 each thereafter, up to $40.  Ribbons: First to Honorable Mention; up  to four (4) Best in Class as

appropriate.  Best in  Show, 2nd Best in Show, 3rd Best in Show, rosettes.

 

IV-C.  Beginner (formerly Novice) – Open to All

 No entry fees.  Each entry will be evaluated for its own quality.  Judges’ comment card will be issued.  Rosettes according to

 judges’ points.  Best in Show rosette.

 

NOTE:  Any other decorative birds with flat bottoms meeting floating decorative criterion but not    to be floated may be  

              placed in the Bench Class in a separate group called “Table Birds”.  (See Bench).

 

V.   Life-size and Miniature – Open to All

       Are judged together and includes raptors, shorebirds, game birds, waterfowl, seabirds, and song birds.  It will take two or more entries to make a species and at least three to make a class.  Up to six (6) Best in Class, Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, 3rd Best in Show rosettes.  Habitat required, miniatures will not exceed 6” tip of tail to breast.

 

·         Raptors – Hawks, owls, eagles

·         Game birds – Pheasant, dove, woodcock, grouse, etc.

·         Waterfowl – Ducks, geese, eiders, swans - any flat-bottomed bird must have at least one leg and foot showing to qualify

·         Songbirds – Chickadees, robins, wrens, warblers, etc.

·         Seabirds – Auks, penguin, gannets, cormorants, etc.

·         Shorebirds – Wading birds and all shorebirds (No stick birds)

 

V-A.  Bird Carver (formerly Open/Professional) – Open to All

Entry fee $25 for first, $5 each thereafter up to  $50.  Ribbons:  First through Honorable Mention. Up to six (6) Best in   

          Class $25 each, plus rosettes; Best in Show $200, 2nd Best in Show $125, 3rd Best in Show $75, plus rosettes.

 

 

V-B.  Apprentice (formerly Amateur) – Open to All

 Entry fee $20 each, $5 each thereafter up to $40.  Ribbons First through Honorable Mention up to six (6) Best in Class,

 Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, and 3rd Best in Show rosettes.  Best in Show receive Merchandise Award.

 

V-C.  Beginner (formerly Novice) – Open to All

No entry fee.  Judges will evaluate each entry on own merit and a comment card will be issued.  Rosettes according to

          Judges’ points, Special Judges’ ribbons.  Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, 3rd Best in Show.

 

VI.  Woodcarving – General

       This section is the second major aspect of this show.  Its purpose is to showcase all aspects of the woodcarver’s art. 

       Competitors are Beginners, Apprentices and Woodcarvers.  There are nine (9) categories specified but entries could

       allow the judges to adjust this program to add or subtract headings.  The Woodcarvers (open if you will) and Apprentices

       (Amateurs (will be judged against each other, while the Beginners will be judged on their own merits.  For Beginners, a

       Judge’s comment card will be issued, then the Best in  Shows will be chosen based upon those cards. 

 

Best in Class – 10 Headings

 

A.  Animals, single or multiples, in the round.

B.  Aquatic animals, single or multiples, in the round.

C.  Human form, single or multiples, in the round  (figure, parts, busts, busts of famous people).

D.  Relief (high or low, deep or shallow)

E.  Whittling pieces carved by hand without sanding.  Could be ball in a cage, etc.  Anything displaying only the marks of the

     cutting tool.

F.  Chip carving/marquetry.  (Entries could make splitting possible).

G.  Scroll saw – Screens, intarsa, puzzles.

H.  Holiday – Santas, angels, decorations

I.   Caricature (See also special sections – prizes below).  Any subject and any style, single or multiple figures.  Require theme.

J.   Sculpture – Open to individual interpretation.

K.  Bark carvings.

 

VI-A.  Woodcarvers (formerly Open or Professional)

            First entry is $20, $5 each thereafter up to $50. Nine (9) categories, Best of Class $20 each, Best in Show $200, 2nd Best

 in Show $125, 3rd Best of Show $75, plus rosettes.

 

VI-B.  Apprentices (formerly Amateur)

            First entry $15, $5 each thereafter up to $40. Will use categories only if number of entrants in any class warrants.

 Ribbons and First to Honorable Mention.  Nine (9) Best in Class rosettes, Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, and

            3rd Best in Show rosettes.  Merchandise Award.

 

VI-C.  Beginner

            No entry fee.  Each entry is judged on its own merits.  The judges will issue a comment card with each entry.  Best in

            Show, 2nd Best in Show, and 3rd Best in Show will be selected from highest point total on judges’ cards.

 

VI-D.  Caricature Specials – VSW Can Challenge –  Open to All

 The VSW would challenge caricature carvers to create two special carvings for our auction.   Incidentally, half of

            whatever they fetch in auction will also come back to the carver(s).

            

            1.  Best caricature of a duck hunter, 6” height, on base, painted or natural, $150, rosette.

            2.  Best caricature of a game warden, 6” height,  painted or natural, $150, rosette.

 

                       Note:  Any attitude may be displayed without prejudicing the entry.

 

VII.  Pyrography – Pyrographers and Apprentices

        Open to all.  Wood burning is the applying of heat mechanically in varying degrees to wood with a tool producing marks

        and definitions forming some form of image.  Some ideas:

·         Flat Art.  Wood burning may include the knots, splits or any other characteristics of the wood or may be executed on a flat prepared surface.

·         Wood burning – Other elements added.  Elements could be paint or stain, up to a maximum of 20% of the piece.

·         Three-dimensional pieces.  Other wood pieces added to word burning.  Wood burning must be the predominant part of piece and all added pieces.

 

VII-A.  Pyrographers

  Ribbons, Best in Show rosette,  $100.

  

VII-B.  Apprentices

  Ribbons, Best in Show rosette.

 

VIII.   Photography

 An artistic view of wildlife close up or in the distance, either as the primary (or only) element or a detail, or a view of

            wildlife as part of a  “great” whole, or a view of some wildlife activity – left to the photographer’s eye and presentation

 skills.       

        

VIII-A.  Black and White Print

    Ribbons, Best in Show rosette, $50.

 

VIII-B.  Color Print

    Ribbons, Best in Show rosette, $50

 

IX.  Wildlife Art – Wildlife Artists and Juniors

       Painting, pencil, mixed media – whatever, showing wildlife which may be central to the work or a peripheral element – part of a   larger landscape, or a wildlife portrait.  May also be expressed as a graphic.  First entry $10 each, thereafter $5 to $25. Judges will, if appropriate, categorize the entries. Ribbons,  Best in Show rosette.  $100 to wildlife artist.

 

         Juniors (up to and including age 17) – Same as for wildlife artist.  No entry fee.  Ribbons, Best of  Show rosette.

 

X.  Fish – Decorative Realistic Fish

      Fish carvers, Apprentice Fish Carvers and Beginner classes.  Saltwater, Freshwater, Tropicals, Fish Bench categories.

      The fish in Entries shall be completely of wood with  wood fins, excepting glass eyes.  Habitats shall be constructed by the carver

      with all FISH CARVER ENTRIES (Open) entirely man-made.  Entries may be life-size or miniature.  Miniatures may not exceed

      six (6) inches in length.  Beginners only may use carving blank.  Freshwater is broken down into Trout, Other Than Trout.

 

X-A.  Fish Carver

          Entry fee $25 for first, $5 thereafter up to $50.

          Trout – Best in Class $25 plus rosette.

          Freshwater – Best in Class $25, plus rosette.

          Saltwater – Best in Class $25 plus rosette

          Tropicals – Best in Class $25, plus rosette..

Best of Show, $125, plus rosette. 2nd Best $75,  plus rosette; 3rd Best $25, plus rosette.

           

X-B.  Apprentice Fish Carvers

Entry fee $15 for first, $5 thereafter up to $35.

Trout – Best in Class rosette.

Freshwater, other than Trout, Best in Class rosette.    

           Saltwater – Best in Class rosette.

           Tropicals – Best in Class rosette.

Best in Show, 2nd Best in Show, 3rd Best in Show, rosettes

 

X-C.  Beginners – No fees

May use prepared carving blanks.  Judges will arrange by entries.  Best of Show, 2nd Best of Show, 3rd Best of Show,

 rosettes.

 

X-D.  Bench Class for Fish

         Anything you ever wanted to do with a fish carving – humor, plaques, parts, etc.  No conforming of any kind required.   

        Best of Show rosette, $50.

 

 

Viewers Choice Award

 

On Sunday, March 9, starting at 11:00 a.m., we will place out the Best in  Show winners in several categories for a Viewer’s Choice Special Award. $150 plus rosette.

 

Check our website for updates, new categories and sponsorships at www.valleyshorewaterfowlers.org