Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art facts for kids
| Established | 1975 (current building in 1992) |
|---|---|
| Location | 909 South Schumaker Drive Salisbury, Maryland |
| Type | Art |
Imagine a place where birds come to life, not with feathers and chirps, but through amazing art! The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland, is a special museum in the United States. It holds the world's largest collection of wildfowl carvings. These carvings are beautiful art pieces, but also include working decoys once used by hunters.
This museum is named after two incredible artists, Lem and Steve Ward. They were brothers from Crisfield, Maryland, who were pioneers in making decoy carving a respected form of fine art. The museum opened its doors in 1975, with its current building opening in 1992. It's a fantastic place to learn about nature, art, and the history of carving.
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Discover the Art of Wildfowl Carving
The Ward Museum is a unique place dedicated to the art of carving birds. It showcases how artists can capture the beauty and spirit of wildfowl using wood. You can see everything from detailed sculptures to practical decoys that look so real, they could fool a duck!
What is Wildfowl Carving?
Wildfowl carving is an art form where artists create lifelike sculptures of birds, especially ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. These carvings can be very detailed, showing every feather and color. Historically, many carvings were made as "decoys." Hunters would place these fake birds on water to attract real birds. Over time, carvers like the Ward brothers started making these decoys so beautiful that they became works of art themselves.
Meet the Ward Brothers
Lemuel T. "Lem" Ward (1896–1984) and Stephen "Steve" Ward (1895–1976) were brothers who grew up near the Chesapeake Bay. They were skilled hunters and fishermen. They started carving decoys at a young age. What made their work special was their artistic talent. They added realistic details and expressions to their carvings. They helped change decoy carving from just a craft into a recognized art form. Their work inspired many other carvers.
Explore the Museum Galleries
The Ward Museum has several exciting galleries and exhibits. Each one offers a different way to experience the world of wildfowl art and nature.
Welcome Theatre
Your adventure often begins in the Welcome Theatre. Here, you might watch a short film. This film introduces you to the museum and the amazing world of wildfowl carving. It helps you understand what you are about to see.
Decoy In Time
This gallery takes you on a journey through the history of decoys. You will see how decoys have changed over the years. You can learn about the different styles and materials used. It shows how these tools for hunting became beautiful art pieces.
Habitat Theatre
The Habitat Theatre helps you understand where wildfowl live. It shows the natural environments of these birds. This helps you appreciate the carvings even more. You can see how artists capture birds in their natural settings.
Art Lamay Gallery
The Art Lamay Gallery features stunning examples of contemporary wildfowl art. These are carvings made by modern artists. You can see the incredible skill and creativity of today's carvers. The pieces here often show amazing detail and artistic expression.
Decoy Study Gallery
This gallery is like a classroom for decoys. You can study different types of decoys up close. It helps you learn about their features and how they were used. It's a great place to understand the technical side of decoy making.
The Ward Brothers’ Workshop
Step back in time into a recreation of the Ward Brothers' own workshop. This exhibit shows you where Lem and Steve created their masterpieces. You can imagine them working there, surrounded by wood, tools, and half-finished carvings. It gives you a real sense of their creative process.
Championship Gallery
The Championship Gallery displays some of the best wildfowl carvings in the world. These are often winning entries from carving competitions. The detail and artistry in these pieces are truly breathtaking. They show the highest level of skill in wildfowl carving.
Why Visit the Ward Museum?
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is more than just a place with old carvings. It's a vibrant center for art, nature, and education. It teaches visitors about the beauty of birds and the talent of human artists. It also hosts events, workshops, and educational programs. These programs help people of all ages learn about carving and conservation. It's a great place for families and anyone interested in art or nature.
