The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University will recognize David H. Turner with its 2018 Living Legend Award. The award highlights those who have been long-time advocates for wildfowl art and the Ward Museum. Winners are generous in spirit and commitment to teaching others and passing on their knowledge, skills and talents. They have created an impact on the field of wildfowl art and/or the Ward World Championship competition.

David H. Turner was born, raised, and currently resides on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He looked over his father’s shoulder growing up and thus he started sculpting when he was six years old. In 1983, he graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in biology and a minor in studio art.  Turner and his father, William H. Turner, own and manage Turner Sculpture in Onley, Virginia, which has served as their studio, bronze foundry, and gallery since 1983. Turner strives to capture the essence of the wildlife he sculpts. Together with his father, Turner has created over 173 publicly commissioned sculptures for places such as the National Zoo (Washington, D.C.), Brookgreen Gardens (Myrtle Beach, SC), the Philadelphia Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo (Chicago, IL), Benson Park (Loveland, CO), and the Salisbury Zoo (Salisbury, MD). David has multiple pieces installed in Ocean City, MD as well as at Salisbury University and the Ward Museum.

The presentation will take place Friday, April 27, 2018 from 5-8 pm at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, MD, following the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival. Artists Robert Kerr and Oliver “Tuts” Lawson will also be named 2018 Living Legends.

Sculpture News image: David H. Turner at NSS’ 2017 Sculpture Safari.