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WV Artist Debuts at the Waterfowl Festival

BUCKHANNON, WV – From wildlife paintings, photos, and hand carved duck decoys, to one-of-a-kind sculptures, the Waterfowl Festival held in Easton, Maryland over the three day weekend in November was an event to remember.

Collectors attend from all over the world in anticipation of finding another master work to add to their collection.

Catherine Miller made her inaugural debut at the festival and was overwhelmed to be included with such distinguished artisans from Canada and from all across the United States. “So many masterpieces in one place. It was simply amazing!” said Miller.

Catherine Miller is one of only a few intaglio glass engravers in the world and the only one using stone wheels. A self taught artisan, Catherine prefers to stay true to the art and create her heirloom quality works free handed and without stencils. This old world method uses a variety of stone wheels in different diameters on a lathe. “I became fascinated with engraving when I was 16 years old and it became my passion.”

Catherine had the distinct honor of making the first sell of the event with her unique bowl aptly named “Swallow Dance”. A feat that was made even more amazing since this was her first showing. “I was absolutely astounded. The festival couldn’t have started out any better for me.”

“I was completely enchanted during the event and felt like Cinderella at the ball. As a visitor to the small town, I was pleasantly surprised at the graciousness of its community and the utter beauty of the town itself. I was also surprised at the turnout since we were dealing with a nor’easter the whole weekend.”

Her display was filled with wildlife and nature works and accented by one of her more prominent works, the “Egret”, on loan from one of her collectors in Florida just for the event. “I was pleased with the response to my work. Some of my pieces take up to 200 hours and it is unquestionably a labor of love.”

Catherine has been invited back to the event which will be held November 12-14, 2010 and also has been invited to participate at the 40th Annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival in Ocean City, Maryland April 23-25, 2010. The World Championship is an international event for carvers and is considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.

The Catherine Miller Designs studio and gallery are located just off Rt. 33 in Buckhannon, WV behind the Hampton Inn, at 7 Cloverleaf Lane. You can view samples of her unique artwork at www.catherinemillerdesigns.com.

Catherine Miller Designs to be Featured at the 2009 Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD

Waterfowl Festival is America's Premier Wildlife Art Exposition

BUCKHANNON, WV - During the autumn season, the colonial town of Easton, Maryland will host the annual Waterfowl Festival on November 13-15, 2009. The Festival was founded in 1971 with the support of Ducks Unlimited to advance wildlife conservation and promote wildlife art and has raised and donated over $5 million to different waterfowl and wildlife projects. The Festival provides an environment for world-class artisans to exhibit and sell their work. 300 nationally recognized artists are invited to participate each year and exhibit their wildlife paintings, sculptures, carvings, crafts, and photos. Other activities the 15,000 to 18,000 visitors can enjoy during the three day event include World Championship calling contests, fly-fishing demonstrations, numerous hands-on activities, and evening concerts.

Local artist Catherine Miller, of Catherine Miller Designs, will be one of the artisans featured during this premier wildlife art exposition. "It is such and honor and a privilege to be invited to participate in the Waterfowl Festival. I am ecstatic that the years of working on my art have become so rewarding." Catherine has pursued the art of intaglio crystal engraving for 34 years with a special fondness for birds and wildlife in her designs. "My favorite subject matter is birds. When I am working on them it puts me at ease," Catherine stated, "Birds just make your heart sing." Each piece she completes is engraved with her original art and is executed free hand using a variety of stone wheels.

Catherine's work has been displayed at the White House, Crystal's for Fine Gifts & Jewelry, in Nashville, TN. She has engraved original designs for many major corporations and celebrities, and her work may be found in 49 countries around the world. She is also a juried artist in the WV Tamarack gallery in Beckley, WV. Catherine's work has most recently been featured in the Home Business Magazine and she was runner up in the StartupNation's Top Ten Most Innovative Businesses in the United States in 2007.

Her studio and gallery are located just off Rt. 33 in Buckhannon, WV behind the Hampton Inn, at 7 Cloverleaf Lane. To schedule an appointment or to view her one of a kind collection call 304-472-3331.

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For more information on Catherine Miller Designs or to schedule an interview with Catherine Miller, please contact her at 304-472-3331 or at catherinemillerdesigns@gmail.com..