Will Hayden Memorial “Decorative Carving Award”
Two Best-of-Show Selections
One ‘Novice Best of Show’ and One ‘Intermediate Best of Show’
Will Hayden June 14, 1933 - September 20, 2012
Sponsored by Dick and Judy Caldwell
Will Hayden, a revered figure in the carving community, left an indelible mark on the Feather & Quill club and the Columbia Flyway Show since its inception in 1988. As a founding father of the Feather & Quill club, Will's passion and dedication laid the foundation for the show's success.
Together with his wife Kay, Will devoted over three decades to carving, earning acclaim for their exquisite bird carvings and skilled caricature work. Will's talent extended beyond his carvings; he was also a gifted teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with countless students over the years.
In 1996, Will's accomplishments were further recognized when he was inducted into the prestigious Caricature Carver of America, a testament to his skill and contributions to the craft. Throughout his involvement in various carving clubs, including serving as President and Show Chairman, Will exemplified leadership and mentorship, guiding and inspiring fellow carvers on their artistic journeys.
Don Baiar Memorial “Mini-Floating Decoy Trade”
1943 - August 5, 2021
Don Baiar, a luminary in the carving community, left an enduring legacy of passion, skill, and dedication to his craft. Born in Spokane, Washington, in 1943, Don's journey in carving began in his childhood, where he discovered a love for whittling that would shape his life's work.
As one of the founding fathers of the Feather & Quill Carving Club, Don played a pivotal role in shaping the club's early years, including helping to produce its inaugural show. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise was evident through his establishment of carving classes, which quickly became a cornerstone of the club's growth.
Don's journey as a carver and teacher spanned decades, with his woodcarving classes, held in his home shop in Washougal, Washington, attracting eager students from far and wide. Known for his highly detailed bird carvings, Don's craftsmanship, intricate painting, and skilled composition earned him acclaim as one of the most awarded carvers in the Northwest.
Beyond his own work, Don was dedicated to promoting the art of woodcarving, organizing club booths at various carving shows and the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen Show each February. His efforts inspired countless individuals to pursue their passion for carving, with many becoming avid participants in the annual Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show.
In recognition of his contributions and impact on the carving community, the Don Baiar Memorial "Mini-Floating Decoy Trade" contest has been established in his honor. This tribute serves as a fitting testament to Don's enduring influence and his unwavering dedication to the art of woodcarving. Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on through the countless carvers he inspired and mentored throughout his lifetime.
Don Baiar Memorial "Mini-Floating Decoy Trade" Contest
Attention all carvers! You are invited to participate in the Don Baiar Memorial "Mini-Floating Decoy Trade" contest, a tribute to the legacy of a carving legend. This contest honors Don Baiar's dedication to the craft and his contributions to the carving community.
Contest Guidelines:
No keel necessary.
Must include an anchor attachment.
No restrictions on detail, style, or carving material. Let your creativity shine!
Open to all carvers.
Awards:
Ribbons awarded to places 1st - 3rd.
1st Place: $75
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
Selection Process:
1st place winner gets the first pick of decoys.
2nd place winner chooses next, followed by 3rd place.
All other participants draw numbers to determine the order of selection.
Participants cannot pick their own decoy.
Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your carving skills and honor the legacy of Don Baiar. Join us for a celebration of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and creativity at the Don Baiar Memorial "Mini-Floating Decoy Trade" contest. We look forward to seeing your stunning creations!
Byrn & Joanne Watson “Best of Show” Award
Bryn and Joanne Watson are known throughout the United States for their leadership and activity in carving organizations.
They became members of the Pacific Southwest Wildfowl Arts organization, actively participating in various club activities over the next 25 years, notably the California Open in San Diego.
Following Byrn's retirement from the construction industry, they joined the International Wildfowl Carvers Association shortly after its inception and assumed leadership roles. Throughout this period, they participated in and competed at shows across Canada, England, and the United States.
Upon relocating to Washington State, they sought out local shows and discovered the Feather and Quill Carvers and the Columbia Flyway Show. At their initial club meeting, where the decision was made not to hold a show, Byrn intervened, offering assistance, which was gladly accepted. Their proactive involvement marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the club's history.
Though Byrn didn't achieve worldwide renown as a carver, his passion for the craft was evident, and he dedicated himself to encouraging others to embrace it. His knack lay in promoting the art of decoy carving, constantly generating ideas to elevate the profile of wildfowl carving and innovate decoy designs.
Byrn and Joanne have been honored with numerous awards for their outstanding contributions to wildlife carving. This award pays tribute to their invaluable contributions to the carving community.
Helen Foster Memorial “Songbird Award”
1935 –2019
Helen Foster was born in California. As a young girl Helen, she and her sisters performed on the gospel music circuit. After she retired, she moved to Vancouver, Washington. It was here she started carving shorebirds and fell in love with songbirds. Helen volunteered for numerous jobs for Feather & Quill carving club.