CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. - The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 44th annual Chincoteague Island Easter Decoy & Art Festival that took place on April 18 and 19 at the Chincoteague Combined School.
Taking place over Easter weekend, the festival brought together over 70 different authors, decoy carvers, woodworkers, photographers, and other artisans. The Decoy & Art Festival looks to highlight the local traditional craftsmanship that has defined the area's rich artistic heritage.
“We are thrilled by the turnout and the exceptional quality of work showcased this year,” said Joanne Moore, Executive Director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. “The Easter Decoy & Art Festival continues to honor the unique cultural legacy of Chincoteague while also spotlighting emerging talent and artistic perspectives.”
The Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence, the highest award given at the festival who demonstrates outstanding craftsmanship as a carver or artist, was awarded to Jimmy Bowden, a carver with over 60 years of experience in making working decoys, shorebirds, and confidence stools.
Other winners of the festival include Eastern Shore native Donnie Mason for the People's Choice for Best Carver, Mary Lou Troutman for People’s Choice for Best Artist for her acrylic paintings depicting the nautical wildlife of the coast, and Darcy Cole for Best Photograph of Chincoteague or Assateague for her picture of a group of horses galloping down a gravel road.