Waterfowl Festival 55 Announces Three Featured Artists — A First in Festival History

The Waterfowl Festival proudly announces an historic milestone for its 55th anniversary celebration: for the first time in the Festival’s history, three distinguished artists have been selected as Featured Artists.

Honored for 2026 are nationally acclaimed graphite artist Ray Brown of California, master sculptor Paul Rhymer of Maryland, and award-winning decoy carver Randy Conner of New York. Each artist will create new, original works debuting exclusively at Waterfowl Festival 55.

Celebrating Excellence Across Mediums

Ray Brown is internationally recognized for his hyper-realistic graphite renderings of wildlife. A multiple “Best in Show” recipient at major wildlife art exhibitions, Brown’s meticulous detail and mastery of light have earned him widespread acclaim among collectors and conservationists alike. His featured piece for the Festival will showcase the dramatic beauty and precision that define his celebrated style.

Paul Rhymer, a Maryland-based sculptor known for capturing motion and anatomical accuracy in bronze, has received numerous national awards for his wildlife sculpture. His works are held in private and public collections across the country. For Waterfowl Festival 55, Rhymer will debut a newly conceived sculpture inspired by his love of the Chesapeake region, with a nod to America’s 250 celebration. 

Randy Conner, one of the nation’s most respected contemporary decoy carvers, has earned top honors at prestigious carving competitions throughout the Northeast. Revered for his blend of traditional craftsmanship and refined artistry, Conner will unveil a new hand-carved piece created specifically to commemorate the Festival’s 55th year.

A Historic First

For more than five decades, the Waterfowl Festival has honored singular artistic excellence. Selecting three Featured Artists for the 55th Festival reflects both the depth of talent within the wildlife arts community and the Festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse artistic traditions — from fine drawing and sculpture to heritage carving.

Each artist’s newly created work will be formally unveiled during Festival weekend, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire debut pieces tied to this milestone year.

Waterfowl Festival 55 will continue its legacy of advancing conservation, celebrating sporting heritage, and showcasing world-class wildlife art in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

For more information, visit waterfowlfestival.org or follow updates on social media.