Every November the streets and tidewaters of Easton, Maryland, come alive with art, events and energy as thousands of people flock to the state’s picturesque Eastern Shore for the annual Waterfowl Festival. Now in its 54th year, the three day event champions waterfowl species and the environment through a wide range of activities curated to highlight the creativity, culture and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Lori Goll, American Wigeons, pastel, 9½ x 15 in. Seven venues, all within walking distance from the central exhibition in the Waterfowl Building, will showcase sculptures, paintings, carvings, photography and mixed media works inspired by the natural world by 70 juried artists from all over the country and Canada. An additional 30-plus artists will participate in other capacities throughout the festival.
Julia Purinton, What’s for Supper, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in.
“For centuries, the Delmarva Peninsula and the Chesapeake Bay have been a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway migration route, attracting millions of waterfowl,” explains festival executive director, Deena Kilmon. “This abundance led to a culture of hunting and a way of life for ‘watermen’ who made their living from the Bay’s bounty. The tradition of waterfowl hunting, decoy carving and art is a core part of the region’s heritage, and the festival celebrates this history.”
This year’s featured artist is Al Barker, who has participated in every festival since the first one in 1971. Other juried artists include Lori Goll, who among other works will be showing her pastel American Wigeons. “A few months ago I finally purchased a good camera for taking my own photo references for painting,” shares Goll. “A photographer friend told me of a spot in Cambridge, Maryland, not far from Easton, where there are often ducks on the water. During my first visit, I was thrilled to find a company of American wigeons. The beautiful colors and feather patterns called me to paint them.”
The 2024 Waterfowl Festival Priemiere Night VIP Party. Photo credit: Ron Haddaway.
This will be Mary Veiga’s sixth year as a juried artist at the festival. You can find original works like Evening Falls at her booth in the Waterfowl Building. “I’m drawn to painting light-filled landscapes that radiate warmth, comfort and quiet strength,” says the artist. “Through glowing atmospheres and rich colors, I create gentle spaces where nature’s light invites pause and reflection—a heartfelt sanctuary for the spirit…I want my paintings to be places where viewers can breathe deeply, connect with their inner calm, and discover the beauty and gentle power that surrounds us all.”
Mary Veiga, Evening Falls, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 in.
Outside of the abundance of art, other popular festival attractions include high-stakes duck and goose calling contests, the Dock Dogs jumping competition and retriever demonstrations on land and water, educational and family-friendly activities and events, and cultural and culinary experiences that include live music on multiple stages, and a bevy of local food and drink tasting opportunities.
All festival profits, after expenses, are donated to conservation or education in the form of grants and scholarships. This year, the Waterfowl Festival is awarding a $70,000 grant to Ducks Unlimited's Conservation for a Continent program which, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will restore farmlands to wetlands, placed in the public trust and protected in perpetuity.
Susan Schauer John, On Watch, English cotton fabrics and Italian cotton threads, 30 x 16 in.
“Since its inception, the festival has raised over $6 million for conservation and education efforts,” says Kilmon. “This mission is central to the event, making it more than just an art show. Unlike a single-venue art show, the Waterfowl Festival transforms the town of Easton, Maryland, into a vast pedestrian mall with over a dozen venues with activities for the whole family. This allows visitors to easily walk between art exhibits, local shops, restaurants and other festival activities. The entire town is involved and over 1,000 volunteers each year make it a truly unique festival.”
David Turner, Fox on Alert, bronze, 8 x 11 x 4 in.
The Waterfowl Festival kicks off with the highly anticipated Premiere Night VIP party at the historic Tidewater Inn on Thursday, November 13, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., with all venues opening to the public the following day at 10 a.m. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit the festival website for additional details. —
54th Annual Waterfowl Festival
When: November 14-16, 2025
Where: Easton, MD
Information: (410) 822-4567, www.waterfowlfestival.org
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