Contemporary Decoy Exhibition - Long Island - 27 February 2016

[Steve Sanford]

All - especially Carvers~

As explained below, Craig Kessler and I - through the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association - are trying to re-establish a venue for today's carvers that once was served by the old U S National show - which ended in 1994. We are starting simple - to see if there is interest and to see what works.

Please help us spread the word. For the time being, the details are on my website at: http://stevenjaysanford.com/...ry-decoy-exhibition/

If you want to enter, just send me an e-mail or PM for the rules and forms: http://sjaysanford@gmail.com

I will send you the forms either electronically or in paper.

Here is the letter we are sending to carvers:

[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]LONG ISLAND DECOY COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION[/font]​

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[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]NEW at 2016 ANNUAL SHOW ~ CONTEMPORARY DECOY EXHIBITION[/font]​

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[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]9 am – 4 pm SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2016[/font]​

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[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]IBEW Hall, 370 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY [/font]​

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[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Dear Carver~[/font]​

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[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]The [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Long Island Decoy Collectors Association[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] will be introducing a new feature at its 2016 Annual Show. The Show will continue to focus on antique decoys and other sporting collectibles, but t[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]he [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]CONTEMPORARY DECOY EXHIBITION[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] will provide a venue on Long Island for those decoys that will become the collectible antique decoys of the future. Like the former U. S. National Decoy Show – which closed its doors in 1994 - this event will offer a showcase on Long Island for carvers who continue to practice this uniquely American art form.[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]The [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]EXHIBITION[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] will strive for simplicity - for both the carvers and for the viewing public. Here is what we are trying in the first year: Just 2 classes of decoys will be displayed on tables and judging will be done by the public. There will be no tank-testing or professional judging. Novice and professional carvers will compete together. As a way of honoring and further displaying every carver's efforts and talents, each decoy will be photographed individually and posted on the LIDCA website for the following year.[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]The 2 classes will exhibit utilitarian and decorative decoys. The former will join the [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Al McCormick Gunning Class[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]of [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]simpler, more durable decoys – true hunting decoys. Al was "Mr. Decoy" for decades on Long Island and taught scores of gunners to make their own rigs. The [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Shang Wheeler Heritage Class[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]will show more elaborate and stylized decoys – "smoothies" with more detailed carving and painting from the most skilled and experienced hands.[/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] Charles "Shang" Wheeler was recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic talents at the original National Decoy Show, here on Long Island, back in 1923. [/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]We hope you will participate – bringing birds in person or sending them by mail. And, we hope you will help us spread the word to other carvers. Please contact us directly with any questions.[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Thanks very much![/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Steve Sanford [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]sjaysanford@gmail.com[/font]
[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Craig Kessler [/font][font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]ckesslerducks@gmail.com[/font]




[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]In the first year, we are including just 5 traditional Long Island species:[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Black Duck[/font]
[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Broadbill (Greater Scaup)
[/font]
[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Brant[/font]
[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Whistler (Common Goldeneye)[/font]
[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Shelldrake (Red-breasted Merganser)[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Our 2 Classes include true gunners (McCormick Class) and fancy mantel-piece birds (Wheeler Class).[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Here are some Al McCormick Gunning Class birds:[/font]

[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]Here are some Shang Wheeler Heritage Class birds:[/font]

NOTE: I purposefully did NOT identify any of the carvers of the above birds - because the judging will be by the public at the February 27 Show - and - even though all of these birds were carved way back in the 20th Century - I did not want to taint the "jury pool".



[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]I look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, let the chips fly.....
[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]All the best,[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif]SJS http://sjaysanford@gmail.com[/font]


[font=Linux Biolinum G, serif] [/font]

 

[Jeff Reardon]

I wish this were closer to me. That black duck gunner is a classy bird!

 

[Tim Rousseau]

Very excited for this! I will definetly carve a gunner or two, and I can actually make it to the show this year. It is usually the same weekend of my store opening. I remember going to the National shows when I was very young when my dad would enter his birds.

 

[Bill Ferrar]

Steve do you have and of Al's decoys?

 

[Steve Sanford]

Bill~

Yes - I have 2 McCormick Black Ducks and 1 Broadbill.

SJS

 

[P. Revicki]

Steve,
I am planning on going to the show again this year and hopefully bring some decoys out. If anyone can't make the show but wants to enter some decoys, I will be more than happy to bring them out .
Pete

 

[Steve Sanford]

Pete~

Excellent! You can be the Official Rep for all of New England & the Maritimes!

All the best,

SJS

 

[Phil Eager]

I've got a black duck in mind. It's coming straight from the rig. The nationals was the first show I ever competed in. Al was in the corner same side as the entrance door. Rasping away.

Phil

 

[Steve Sanford]

Great, Phil~

Just PM me your mailing address and I will send you the info packet. I just got back from Staples.

All the best,

SJS