Carvers Show Masterpieces of Art and Nature

An incredible collection of wood carvings and decoys will be on display at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, May 29-30.

The Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists Association celebrates their 10th anniversary with more than 300 carvings of wildlife, including songbirds, whales, birds of prey, fish and mammals.

"These are masterpieces of detail and texture --so lifelike that you expect them to move at any moment," said Stephen Archibald, the museum's manager of public programs.

Nova Scotia has designated 1999 as The Year of Wildlife in Wood. Duck carvings are often the most cherished by visitors, and the Harlequin Duck has been chosen as the theme bird for the year. Visitors will enjoy watching judges check how the decoys float in a large water tank.

Each year, more than 150 woodcarvers come together from eastern Canada and Maine to compete for ribbons and prizes, including the prestigious Bowater Mersey Trophy. The company acquires the winning decoy, and the first-place carvings from the past nine years will be on display together for the first time.

The show presents work completed in the past 12 months. "All ages and anyone interested in nature, art, carving or beautiful things will enjoy the show," said Alan Dorey, co-chair of the competition committee of the carvers and artists Association. "The museum is the ideal backdrop for our carvings, and this year's show promises to be the best ever."

The show and judging is open to the public on Saturday, May 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show continues on Sunday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with demonstrations and opportunities to meet and talk with the members. Admission is free.

The museum is located at 1747 Summer St. There is free parking for visitors. For more information call 424-7353.

Note: The following is intended for use by broadcast media.

Incredible wood carvings and decoys will be on display at

the Museum of Natural History in Halifax from May 29th to May

30th.

The Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists Association

celebrates their 10th anniversary by show-casing 300 carvings of

wildlife.

The province has designated 1999 as The Year of Wildlife in

Wood, and the Harlequin Duck is this year's theme bird.

More than 150 woodcarvers from eastern Canada and Maine will

compete for ribbons and prizes, including the Bowater Mersey

Trophy.

For more information, call the museum at 902-424-7353.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Photographs of the theme bird, the Harlequin Duck, and ducks being judged can be obtained by going to www.gov.ns.ca/cmns/photos/carvers/default.htm .