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CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, VA - [April 22, 2025] - The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 44th Annual Chincoteague Island Easter Decoy & Art Festival, held on April 18–19, 2025 at the Chincoteague Combined School. This beloved local tradition brought together seventy-six outstanding decoy carvers, fine artists, photographers, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, authors, and culinary merchants from across the country to celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship that define Chincoteague’s rich artistic community.
People's Choice for Best Carver was awarded to Donnie Mason. Donnie was born and raised on the Eastern Shore and has developed an amazing talent of bringing decoys, shorebirds, songbirds, and Santa Clauses to life since he began carving in 1980. Donnie was awarded the Eastern Shore Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 1988 and has competed up and down the Shore over the years.
People’s Choice for Best Artist was awarded to Mary Lou Troutman for her acrylic paintings of nautical and wildlife scenes which can be purchased as originals, prints, and on giftware. Mary Lou attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore and while she prefers to paint in her woodland studio where she keeps close company with an abundance of nature, her husband, Jeff, exhibits her work throughout the region. Through years of recognition, numerous awards, and artistic achievements, her work has become a part of both private and corporate collections that span from coast to coast. You can learn more about Mary Lou and her work at www.maryloutroutman.com.
Best Photograph of Chincoteague or Assateague was awarded to Darcy Cole for her picture of a group of Chincoteague Ponies running down a gravel road during a recent roundup. Together with her husband, Steve, Darcy spends over 300 days each year walking the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge photographing the Chincoteague Ponies and other wildlife. The photos are also used for their Pony Identification books and cards, calendars, t-shirts, baseball caps, magnets, and more. See more of Darcy and Steve's work at www.dscphotography.net.
The Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence is awarded to an exhibitor who demonstrates exemplary qualities as an artist or carver as chosen by a jury of their peers. The 2025 recipient of the festival's highest award was Jimmy Bowden. At a young age, Jimmy mowed the grass for the now world-renowned decoy carver, Miles Hancock. He soon found himself using a hatchet to chop decoy blanks for Miles and at the age of 13, began carving under his guidance. Over sixty years later, Jimmy continues to carve Hancock style working decoys, shorebirds, and confidence stools. Learn more about Jimmy on Facebook at Jimmy Bowden Decoys.
“We are thrilled by the turnout and the exceptional quality of work showcased this year,” said Joanne Moore, Executive Director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. “The Easter Decoy & Art Festival continues to honor the unique cultural legacy of Chincoteague while also spotlighting emerging talent and artistic perspectives.”
The Chamber would also like to thank the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team for providing fun kid's crafts, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Chincoteague Natural History Association for sharing information about the refuge, wildlife, and programs they offer, and Captain E's Hurricane Grill food truck for keeping exhibitors and attendees well fed over the two-day event.
For more information about the festival or to inquire about next year’s event, please visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com.
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