149A

1999 Rusty Rutherford "Greater Prairie Chicken" Hand Carved & Painted Bird

Currency:CAD Category:Hunting / Equipment - Decoys Start Price:10.00 CAD
1999 Rusty Rutherford  Greater Prairie Chicken  Hand Carved & Painted Bird
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Jul 21 @ 10:00 (UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST)
Preview: July 18th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: July 23nd - July 25th (10am - 5pm)

Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8

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Rusty Rutherford (Canadian, 1940). Rusty Rutherford - Artist Profile
Rusty Rutherford is an internationally recognized Canadian woodcarver whose meticulously detailed decorative wildfowl sculptures have earned him top honours across North America. Based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Rutherford is celebrated for transforming blocks of basswood and tupelo into lifelike birds that blur the line between sculpture and natural history.

A former Royal Canadian Air Force member, Rutherford discovered carving after retirement - a late-career shift that quickly revealed world-class talent. His first commissioned duck carving unexpectedly won competition ribbons, launching a decades-long artistic career defined by precision, realism, and an unwavering commitment to craft.

Rutherford's work is distinguished by its anatomical accuracy, layered texturing, and masterful airbrushed finishing. He is known for spending hundreds of hours on a single piece, often carving 5-6 hours daily to achieve the lifelike presence that has become his signature. His portfolio includes full-size herons, owls, jays, and waterfowl, many of which have been exhibited, sold, and collected internationally.

Career Accolades
Ward World Championships (Ocean City, Maryland)
Multiple wins including Best of Show for a hooded merganser hen - one of the highest honours in competitive wildfowl carving.

Sportsman's Decoy Carving Championships
Achieved an extraordinary 15 ribbons from seven entries in a single event.

Canadian Championships (Midland, Ontario)
Multiple blue ribbon wins across categories.

Northern Nationals (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Overall winner, further cementing his cross-border reputation.

Featured Artist
Profiled multiple times in Wildfowl Carving Magazine, the field's leading publication.

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
Awarded for his artistic contributions to Canada - a national honour recognizing excellence and service.

Notable Works
Full-Size Blue Heron - displayed at Southport.

Great Gray Owl (approx. 48-50 inches) - a three-month masterwork.

Blue Jay - approx. 350 hours combined carving and base construction.

Publications
Rutherford is the author of A Steep Climb from War Orphan to Queen's Medal, an autobiographical account tracing his journey from wartime childhood in England to celebrated Canadian artist. The book is now in its fourth printing.

Artistic Impact
Rutherford's carvings are held in private collections across Canada, the United States, and abroad. His work is sought after at elite craft shows, exhibitions, and through direct commission. Known for his generosity, he frequently donates pieces to local charities and community causes.

Today, Rutherford continues to carve daily, refining his technique and producing new works that uphold the standard of excellence he has set throughout his career.