Masterpiece Carvings in Special Show
You have one weekend each year to experience a spectacular show of wood carvings and decoys. This year that weekend is June 17 and June 18 at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax during the 11th annual Nova Scotia Wildlife Carvers and Artists Association Competition and Show.
The show features more than 300 models of wildlife sculptures. Carvings of songbirds, whales, birds of prey, fish, and ducks will be on display. Each is a masterpiece of detail and texture, and each entry has been carved in the last year.
"The show appeals to many levels of interest and all ages," says Alan Dorey, chair of the show. "Anyone interested in nature, art, carving or beautiful things will enjoy the show."
On Saturday morning, a panel of judges will select the best in fourteen categories. Then there's the duck decoy float competition. "This is always a crowd-pleaser," says Mr. Dorey.
Nova Scotians are among the best carvers in the world, bringing home top ribbons at international competitions in traditional categories such as waterfowl, birds of prey and floating decoys. In the decorative lifestyle category, carvers have captured moments in nature. Past winners include a merlin falcon snatching a moth out of mid-air and a pair of purple sandpipers and a ruddy turnstone foraging across a barnacle-covered rock. Many new carvings in this category will be on display this weekend.
This year, members will compete in the theme bird category, the merlin falcon. Other highlights include peregrine falcon head carving workshops, a fine feather-painting techniques workshop, carving demonstrations and a display by a renowned Nova Scotia wildlife artist, Bruce Wood. This year's chief judge is Michael Arthurs of North Bay, Ont. One of his pieces, entitled Water Dance, earned him world-class recognition in 1998 and will be on display. This winning carving represents a tern dancing along the crest of a wave and is a spectacular demonstration of Mr. Arthurs's talents.
The show and judging are open to the public on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The show will feature demonstrations and opportunities to meet and talk with the carvers. General admission to the museum will be charged. The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St., in Halifax. For more information call 902-424-7353.
NOTE TO EDITORS: The Carving Association will be conducting a carving workshop on Thursday, June 15, and painting workshop on Friday, June 16, at the Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer St., in Halifax. For more information, visit the Carving Association's website at www.Ednet.NS.Ca/educ/culturepages/nswcaa/nswcaa.html .