
Artist Biography: Norman E. Wise
Norm is a lifelong resident of Nebraska. Born and raised in Scottsbluff.
He began his art career in 1980 and has actively carved wildfowl and game fish since. In the mid 80’s, Norm trained with a local artist and art instructor.
In 1985, he entered a carving in his first competitive event...the Ward World Waterfowl Carving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland. His entry won 2nd place. Since then, he has been participating in competitive decoy and wildfowl wood carving events from the east coast to the west coast.
Since the late 90’s, his entries have consistently taken several first-in-species, first-in category, and best in show awards. To date, he has more than 50 regional and national show awards. He has served as clerk and judge for many of these events.
Currently, Norm teaches novice to advanced level wildfowl wood carving to 16 students in a structured art and wood sculpting program. Students are instructed in the principles of art design and composition, color theory and painting practices, and a variety of wood sculpting techniques. Many of his students compete in regional and national wood carving events.
In 2015 Norm received the Nebraska Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year Award.
Norm enjoys hunting and fishing whenever the opportunity arises. He is a retired military officer and healthcare professional.
Memberships and affiliations:
Ward Foundation, Member-at-Large
Central Flyway Decoy Collectors' and Carvers' Club, Secretary/Treasurer
Mid-America Woodcarvers Association, Member and Doane Experience Instructor
Ducks Unlimited, Member-at-large
International Wildfowl Carvers Association, Member-at-large
Louisiana Wildflow Carvers Guild
Norman E. Wise
8502 South 101 St.
La Vista, NE. 68128
May not be reproduced or transmitted without permission.
Norm is a lifelong resident of Nebraska. Born and raised in Scottsbluff.
He began his art career in 1980 and has actively carved wildfowl and game fish since. In the mid 80’s, Norm trained with a local artist and art instructor.
In 1985, he entered a carving in his first competitive event...the Ward World Waterfowl Carving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland. His entry won 2nd place. Since then, he has been participating in competitive decoy and wildfowl wood carving events from the east coast to the west coast.
Since the late 90’s, his entries have consistently taken several first-in-species, first-in category, and best in show awards. To date, he has more than 50 regional and national show awards. He has served as clerk and judge for many of these events.
Currently, Norm teaches novice to advanced level wildfowl wood carving to 16 students in a structured art and wood sculpting program. Students are instructed in the principles of art design and composition, color theory and painting practices, and a variety of wood sculpting techniques. Many of his students compete in regional and national wood carving events.
In 2015 Norm received the Nebraska Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year Award.
Norm enjoys hunting and fishing whenever the opportunity arises. He is a retired military officer and healthcare professional.
Memberships and affiliations:
Ward Foundation, Member-at-Large
Central Flyway Decoy Collectors' and Carvers' Club, Secretary/Treasurer
Mid-America Woodcarvers Association, Member and Doane Experience Instructor
Ducks Unlimited, Member-at-large
International Wildfowl Carvers Association, Member-at-large
Louisiana Wildflow Carvers Guild
Norman E. Wise
8502 South 101 St.
La Vista, NE. 68128
May not be reproduced or transmitted without permission.