Photo Courtesy of Artist
Decoy Carving
Chincoteague, VA
John Arthur Leonard’s family has lived on Chincoteague Island since the 1670s. When he was thirteen, he bought his first decoy, sparking a lifetime of collecting and honing his carving. At seventeen, he began carving with advice from most of the masters on the island and is now a world-champion decoy carver. Arthur is a community leader of Chincoteague — he has served as Mayor, is an island historian, part owner of the Refuge Inn, tour boat Master Captain, football coach, baseball coach, and devoted father and grandfather. Arthur also helps each year with the Chincoteague Pony Swim.