The Waterfowl Festival is proud to announce its 2014 Featured Artist - Sculptor, Ken Newman! Newman, accompanied by partner, Debbie, and yellow lab, Emma, has been exhibiting at the Festival for the past seven years in the Sculpture Pavilion on Harrison Street and is a "fan favorite" among Festival visitors and art buyers.

The Idaho-based sculptor recognized his artistic talent at an early age, but didn't pursue art until an independent study in woodcarving was necessary to satisfy credits for his undergraduate degree. He hasn't looked back since and now works in bronze in addition to wood sculpture.

"Observing Grace"

After working and raising a family in Idaho, Ken and Debbie decided to sell their home and "sculpt on the road" to share Ken's work with a broader audience. For the past 15 years, Ken, Debbie and Emma travel about 30,000 miles a year across the U.S. and have found the people and the stories they encounter to be the biggest blessing and artistic inspiration - The Waterfowl Festival being one of their favorite stops along the way.

Among many other accolades, Newman has been selected several times for the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Birds in Art Exhibition and Tour and also has a piece in their permanent collection. His pieces appear in museum, private homes and corporate offices throughout the U.S.  Newman is a member of the National Sculpture Society, National Sculptors Guild, Society of Animal Artists, Allied Artists of America and Audubon Artists, Inc.

As Featured Artist, Newman has created a sculpture exclusively for the 2014 Festival that will also be the inspiration for this year's event poster and marketing materials. We are excited to unveil the sculpture and its story in just a few weeks! Stay tuned!