We are proud to honor two individuals who truly embody the spirit of wildfowl art and the Ward Foundation.

Please join us in celebrating our 2026 Living Legends:

Capt. Art Leonard and Jack Cox

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026

📍 Ballroom at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center

⏰ Reception begins at 5:30 PM

🎟️ Badge or VIP ticket required (can be purchased at the show)

Join us during the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition as we celebrate two legends whose passion and dedication have shaped our community. 

This award recognizes individuals who:

• Have been long-time advocates for wildfowl art and the Ward Foundation.

• Are generous in spirit and commitment to teaching others and passing on their knowledge, skills, and talents.

• Have created an impact on the field of wildfowl art and the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition.

 

 

2024-2025 Award Recipients:

Paul Rhymer, Point of Rocks, MD
Pam Morris, Harkers Island, NC
Tom Matus, Kuna, ID

2022-2023 Award Recipients:

Jeff Bounds, Salisbury, MD
Jeff Rechin, Amissville, VA
Ross Smoker, Selinsgrove, PA

2020-2021 Award Recipients:

Larry Barth, Stahlstown, PA
Jett Brunet, Galliano, LA
Dan Burgette, Tetonia, ID

2019 Award Recipients:

Lynn Branson, Courtenay, BC, Canada
Keith Mueller, Killingworth, CT
Peter Palumbo, Patchogue, NY

2018 Award Recipients:

Robert Kerr, Smith Falls, ON, Canada
Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, Crisfield, MD
David Turner, Onley, VA

2017 Award Recipients:

Tom Christie, Waverly IA
Curt Fabre, Bourg, LA
Bennett Scott, Berlin, MD

2016 Award Recipients:

Del Herbert, Chula Vista, CA
Rich Smoker, Marion Station, MD
Todd Wohlt (d.), Appleton, WI

2015 Award Recipients:

Pat Godin, Ontario, Canada
Bob Sutton (d.) Long Beach, CA
Bill Veasey (d.), Elkton, MD

2014 Award Recipients:

Tan Brunet (d.), Galliano, Louisiana
John B. Garton (d.), Smith Falls, Ontario
Floyd Scholz, Hancock, Vermont 

2013 Award Recipients

Delbert “Cigar” Daisey (d.), Chincoteague, Virginia
Robert “Bob” Guge (d.), Sleepyhollow, Illinois
Ernest “Ernie” Muehlmatt (d.), Salisbury, Maryland

    

 

The Ward Foundation, Inc. strives to lead the way for advancing the understanding of wildfowl art and the interrelationships of art, nature and culture. Through educational programs, exhibits and events, the Ward Foundation builds upon the legacy of Lem and Steve Ward to bring young and old to a greater understanding of the human relationship to the natural world.

The Ward Foundation Living Legends fund is intended to allow donors to make restricted gifts for the continuation of the Living Legends awards.  Gifts of $150 or more will be published as contributors to the Living Legend Fund.  If you would like to contribute to this fund, click here. (Link coming soon)