The Manchester Times, NJ
By Jo Ann La Russo
Wildlife and water fowl in art forms of wood carvings, paintings, ceramics and jewelry were on display at the 25th Art and Decoy Festival sponsored by the Ocean County YMCA.
The event held over the weekend at Central Regional High School brought carvers, collectors, artists and craftsman, along with the curious to check out traditional gunning decoys and decorative pieces for sale and competition.
Janet Sellitto, special events director of the Ocean County YMCA, and a host of volunteers welcomed visitors to the event that was chock full of decoys for the amateur and the professional and exhibitors came from far and near.
Jim Estelle of Mayetta displayed his old hunting decoys and prints. “Some of these decoys are priced from $45 to $1,200,” said Estelle, in business for 38 years.
Carvers were everywhere. F.J. Valentino of Gibbstown said that he carves mostly decorative water fowl. His efforts won him the title New Jersey State Champion for his decorative mallard.
“I took up carving following a tragedy in my family,” he said. “It’s a very relaxing hobby.”
Tom Stewart of Long Island took first place in the Best in Show division for his decorative shore bird. Corey Mitchell of Wilmington, Delaware, won first place in the junior division for his water fowl carving.
Bob and Nick Gagliardi of Pennsauken displayed hand carved wood fish and lures along with ceramic sea bass figures.
Books on wildlife, artwork, prints, photography, life-size and miniature artwork, maritime artwork, original watercolors, museum and environmental exhibits were on display.
On Saturday, judges took their work seriously as they studied decoys that were floating in a tank of water. “They make sure the decoys don’t flip over or turn to the side,” said Sellitto. “They are judging for balance.”
W. Fred Reitmeyer of Pomona took first place for his Barnegat Bay traditional gunning bird.
Although the decoy show was held in Toms River for the past several years, Sellitto said that the move to Berkeley Township was a good one and that after 25 years the annual show is still going strong. “This location is very accessible to the parkway. A lot of our carvers come from different areas and they come each year. Everyone is comfortable here.”
Popular at the show was the paint-a-duck table where children, assisted by YMCA volunteers, hand painted their own decoy to take home and display.
Ellie Schmieder, 7, of Manasquan painted a shore bird. “It’s pretty neat,” said her brother, Stephen, 6.
Eight-year-old Hope of Toms River, and twins, Will and Riley, 7, of Palmyra, opted for bright colors.
All proceeds from the Art and Decoy Festival benefit the Ocean County YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign.
Gretchen Surette, a YMCA festival committee member, also pointed out that last year, the YMCA awarded over $400,000 in scholarships.
“The show is very well put together,” said George Bates and Steve D’Amico of Cherry Hill Township.
D’Amico has tried his hand at carving. “I started working with cork,” he said, “but my carvings are not ready to go on display here,” he said, looking around the room.
Hundreds of visitors were at the festival. Cathleen Engelsen of Tuckerton displayed artwork that included scenes of Ocean County history and Barnegat Bay sneakboxes.
Jane Buda of Lake Hopatcong admired a wreath and a gift basket made from local sea life shells by Pat Kingman. Raymond Mancini’s artistic collage captured the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin along with many old time scenes. John M. Wood of Hamilton displayed his carvings and paintings.
Central Regional students Lee Ann, Caitlyn and Alyssa checked out novelty items, musical frogs.
Over the weekend, students from Central Regional’s Key Club worked concession stands for visitors’ convenience.
Debbie Lonieski and Gloria Ruscitti, club co-advisors, said the students were hoping to fund upcoming activities.
Sam Nasto, a volunteer art teacher at the Toms River Senior Center, stopped in for a visit.
“I’m looking for some wood,” said Nasto, who is also a carver. “It’s good to see all the decoys. I’ve been coming to this exhibit for years.”