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DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE
24TH ANNUAL ART & DECOY SHOW A BIG HIT WITH VISITORS
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Liane Sharry and sister, Kayleigh, 6, with friend Sammy Hemhauser, take a look at some beautifully carved decoys. For more photos from this event, visit our photo galleries at www.micromediapubs.com. |
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Four-year-old Liane Sharry, of Manchester, summed up the 24th Annual Art & Decoy Show held recently in Toms River when she announced, "There are a lot of ducks in this room."
Liane and sister, Kayleigh, 6, with friend Sammy Hemhauser, 3, averaged about eye level at exhibit tables in the Ritacco Center, where thousands of decoys worth hundreds of thousands of dollars were on display in a collector's treasure trove of exhibits.
Manchester Township Detective Chris Hamhauser and Rob Sharry, along with hundreds of visitors at the two-day festival, viewed works by a wide range of exhibitors, artists and carvers. Collections included decoys of Delaware River ducks, Mason Pintail Drakes, wildfowlers, Northern decoys, robin snipes and Upper bay estate, to name a few, painted in detail in brilliant blues and greens, some accented in whites and browns.
Jon Frank of Frank and Frank Sporting Collectibles, Howell, displayed a large Canada goose made by Hurley Conklin of Manahawkin, circa 1940, with a value of $800 to $1,200. A pair of Blue Bills by Rowley Horner of West Creek, circa the 1930s, has an estimated auction value of $25,000 to $35,000.
Frank said that rare finds such as a 1936 Ward Brothers Black Duck can go as high as $40,000 to $60,000.
Visitors were awed at the displays. There were flying ruffle heads with extended wings, graceful swans and Canada geese. A crow hunter's kit features an owl with large yellow eyes. Various works of creative American folk art filled the room.
Proceeds of the event will help fund Ocean County YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign, which provides scholarships for the less fortunate in Ocean County, said Janet Sellitto, festival director.
"The festival is going well. We had a good crowd," Sellitto said Sunday in the children's art room, where kids were able to paint a duck and take it home with them.
"That is the reason that we are here," said Shirley Clabby of Brick, as daughter, Erin, 8, James, 7, and Kate 3, dabbed shorebirds with color under the guidance of Michelle Tierney of Toms River, one of a host of YMCA volunteers at the exhibit.
"They are doing well," said Tierney as Ruth, another volunteer, brought in supplies. "On Saturday, this room was packed," Sellitto said.
"The kids love it," added Mrs. Clabby as little Kate announced her painted shorebird would be named Pearl Sierra.
Nine-year-old Delaney Sheppard, Millville, proudly showed grandparents, Judy and Larry Pharo, of Newport her painted decoy.
"She's getting better," said Grampa Larry, a carver who said he hopes Delaney will carry on that tradition. "She gets a carving from her grandfather every Christmas," said Gram.
Crowds checked out the decoys in the main room.
"We love the artwork," said Janet and Vern Mayberry of Toms River.
Mallard collector James McGuire of Tinton Falls and wife, Lisa, are long time admirers of the Bayman culture. "He loves it," Lisa said of her husband's hobby.
Thomas Vincenz of Clinton said he is a collector, not a carver. "I've been collecting decoys for 30 years. Now it's time to retire and my wife said clean out the house," said Vincenz.
"We love everything seaworthy," said George Ross and Mary Catherine Kennedy, at the Tuckerton Seaport display. Kennedy is also the Barnegat Township historian.
"The exhibits cover such a wide range. We like the songbirds," said Joann Polashock, with daughter, Suzanne, 8, and James, 18 months.
Artist Joyce Gagen showed her exhibit of wildfowl illustrations. The Indian Mills artist explained that she captures a scene on camera throughout the Jersey Shore, and relates it on canvas with her own interpretations.
At a table nearby, Susan Reitmeyer of Pomona straightened out husband Fred's decoy display.
"We've been married for 50 years and he has been carving for 40 of them," she said. "It's a wonderful hobby and makes wonderful gifts for our children and grandchildren."
The exhibitors enjoyed friendly conversation at the festival as they compared technique.
"It's a good social event for a good cause," said Robert Horner of Long Branch, a participant in shows for more than 35 years.
For information about Ocean County YMCA Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign, or other programs offered for children and parents, contact the YMCA, 1088 W. Whitty Road, Toms River, at 732-341- 9622.
For a list of winners from the decoy show, visit Web site www.OCYMCA.org, special events.
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