This fall more than 15,000 visitors will flock to various locations around Easton, Maryland, for this year’s Waterfowl Festival, an Eastern Shore tradition that celebrates the annual migration of geese through the Atlantic Flyway and supports wildlife conservation throughout the region.
Jill Basham, Afternoon Changes, oil, 16 x 20”
“The festival is a testament to the strong bond between our community and the rich natural resources that surround us,” says Charles Wrightson, Waterfowl Festival board president. “As we prepare for this year’s event, we are reminded of the enduring connection we share with the waterfowl and wildlife that call this region home. It’s not just a celebration of art and culture, but also a tribute to our local environment and the efforts to preserve it.”
Pati Stajcar, Aesop’s Fable, bronze, ed. of 9, 21 x 27 x 14” (large edition), 14 x 11 x 12” (small edition)
During the 2023 Waterfowl Festival, artists and their work—including paintings, carvings, sculpture and photography—will appear across six galleries throughout Easton. Locations include the Academy Art Museum; the Armory Waterfowl HQ, the Avalon Theatre; Christ Church; and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC). And of course there’s the Pavilion across from the Armory, where festival goers can view this year’s featured art piece, Aesop’s Fable, a sculpture by Pati Stajcar depicting two crows and a pitcher. The piece comes in two sizes: 21 by 27 inches and 14 by 11 inches.
Walter Matia, Legend of the Fall, bronze, ed. of 36, 57 x 24 x 24”
“It is such an honor to be the featured artist at this year’s Easton Waterfowl Festival. I have been in the show for 20 years and am always excited to be invited back to see old friends and make new ones,” says Stajcar. “To be chosen as the featured sculptor for the show this year is truly humbling.” Commenting on her featured artwork, she says, “One of Aesop’s Fables is the story of ‘The Crow and the Pitcher.’ A thirsty crow finds a pitcher with water inside but can’t reach inside far enough to drink. Looking for a way to raise the water level, our crow starts adding stones to the pitcher. The allegory shows that with a little ingenuity we can accomplish our goals. I added to the story and design a bit by adding another crow, and with that we see cooperation and the joy of working as one toward our success. We’re all in this together.”
Visitors can also explore the nature and wildlife art of such artists as Jill Basham, Walter Matia, Bruce Woodward, Diane Mullaly, Drew Scarpa and many more.
Visitors explore artwork during a past Waterfowl Festival.
The Waterfowl Festival runs from November 10 to 12. Proceeds support the preservation of the Eastern Shore’s outdoor heritage through their Community in Conservation grant program. —
Waterfowl Festival
November 10-12, 2023
40 S. Harrison Street, Easton, MD 21601
(410) 822-4567,
www.waterfowlfestival.org
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