208/245-7926
Cultural Community: Hunter
Artform: Waterfowl decoys
Residence: North Idaho
Bio: Frank retired to Idaho in the 1970s, after 20 years in the Marine Corps. He served as a deputy wildlife protector at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and moved to Idaho partly because of duck hunting opportunities here. Displeased with commercial decoys, he started to carve his own. In over 30 years of practice, Frank has had 28 solo exhibitions in art museums and galleries. Most recently, he took on an apprentice to pass on the tradition as informed by actual use, creating decoys for use in hunting. The quality of his work and his commitment to the art of decoy carving has earned Frank a national reputation among waterfowlers and decoy collectors. Frank’s work has been described as methodical, painstaking, and meticulous, reminding viewers of duck decoys’ origins and functions. Robert McCarl, Sociology professor at Boise State University, calls Frank one of a kind – a self-taught decoy carver of unparalleled ability. His wildfowler peers recognize him as one of the premier craftsmen of their culture, and he has openly and thoughtfully engaged folklorists and others in the arts community in the importance and integrity of his craft. Frank delights in the mastery of wood and tools to create the essence of a duck.
Honors/Awards:
1987 and 1992, Craft, Design, and Visual Arts Fellowship
2004, Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in the Arts
2008, Master, Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
Services Offered:
To groups: Demonstrations and lectures at community, schools, and conservation related events. Demonstrations range from half-day to two-day live carving demonstrations. Lectures include slide presentations and specimens.
To individuals: master classes, apprenticeships, and individual instruction.
Availability: Most of the year, except during waterfowl seasons, which run from October through December
For Costs, please contact the artist
Glossary Terms: occupational culture
Costs: Honorarium: $50/day. Travel (transportation and overnight accommodation. Willing to accommodate local needs and resources) and per Diem as recommended by the State of Idaho (see General descriptions)
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