Easter Decoy & Art Festival
The Easter Decoy & Art Festival is held to celebrate the history and craft of decoy carving and where local and national decoy carvers and artists of all kinds; fine art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, etc. exhibit and sell their work at this Chincoteague Island tradition. Exhibitors carve and create on site and are eager to talk about the love of their work. Come eager to learn from the finest and purchase some of their works to treasure yourself or to give as a gift.
42nd Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival
April 7 & 8, 2023
Friday, April 7 - Noon to 5:00pm
Saturday, April 8- 9:00am - 4:00pm (People's Choice voting ends 2pm. Exhibitor awards announced 3pm. Auctions end 4pm.)
Chincoteague Combined School, 4586 Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
$5.00 admission each day; children under 12 are free
Awards are given in various categories; carving, art and photography. Children receive a Children’s Choice Award ribbon upon admission to present to their favorite artist while festival attendees vote for People's Choice Awards for best carver and best artist. Best Photograph of Chincoteague or Assateague is chosen by jury. The highest award given each year is the Curtis Merritt Award of Excellence. This is awarded to the exhibitor who displays excellence as an individual, as well as an artist and/or carver and is voted on solely by the exhibitors. Awards are announced at 3pm on Saturday.
Wooden Easter eggs are meticulously hand carved, painted and/or embellished by exhibitors and are sold through a silent auction to the highest bidder. This auction has been a highlight of the show each year, with some eggs fetching a handsome sum. Auction closes at 4pm on Saturday.
If you attend the festival on Friday and want to check on the status of your silent auction bids, a bidding pass is available. Please ask at the admissions desk.
Download and print the 2023 Easter Decoy & Art Festival Exhibitor Application. There have been some changes to the application from previous years, so please read thoroughly before submitting.
MEET THE EXHIBITORS | AUCTIONS | AWARD WINNERS | CURTIS MERRITT
Enhance your Chincoteague Island experience with events happening throughout the year; including the Chincoteague Seafood Festival, Chincoteague Oyster Festival and Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade.
