UP Gourd Artist's Work Will Enhance Regional Festival

When I wrote about University Place gourd artist back in October of 2010, I discovered the world of gourd art and an exciting related event planned for July 14-17.

That is when the Washington State Gourd Society, of which Annon is the current president, hosts the 2nd Annual Northwest Gourd Festival at the Grant County Fairgrounds near the town of Moses Lake, WA. The theme is “Celebrating Nature’s Canvas.”

The festival is open to the public during the weekend of July 16-17, but draws artists from all over the West for the four full days of classes. It also features competitions, vendors, food, merchandise related to gourds and gourd art, and live entertainment.

But mostly it features gourds, a lot of gourds, decorated or waiting for decoration. If you go, you can find a vast display of interesting gourd art for sale or auction. Several artists took turns adding their own touches to a "traveling gourd" that will be raffled. Many members who live in Eastern Washington grow gourds for their own creations and to sell to eager artists, would-be artists and people who just like the look of these oddly shaped, non-eidible members of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants. It also includes squash and melons. Those who love gourds will have plenty to choose from. 

“You know how it goes,” said Patty Burke, another gourd artist and membership chairwoman of the organization. “One is good. Twenty is better There are about 10 varieties of gourds. Members who do gourd art choose a variety that suits their vision.”

You might have seen bird houses made from gourds, but the creativity goes way beyond that. The same techniques that work with wood, work with gourds. Burke likes to cover them with woven strips of leather, incorporating deer antlers and other natural materials. A gourd artist from Bremerton named James "Oz" Ozburn enjoys complex designs and even created an award-winning chess set from minature gourds.

“They lend themselves to all types of inspiration, wood burning, carving, painting, basketry, musical instruments,” Burke said. "It is inexpensive as an art medium, making it ideal for youngsters and beginners to learn."

The Northwest Gourd Festival also offers the 125 members of the Washington State Gourd Society—most from this state but some from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California—a chance to socialize and share their fascination, ideas, skills, and inspiration.

“It has been my experience,” Burke added, “that the generosity of shared ideas and techniques among gourd artists is unique among art groups. I like the challenge of working with a natural material. What we do is a modern interpretation of a skill practiced by indigenous peoples the world over.”

Annon, who could not be reached for comment, has donated an outstanding example of her artwork, a piece titled "Sheer Joy" in black, with designs in gold foil, as an auction item for the group's fundraiser. You can even make a bid online.

The Society is made up of “patches,” small local groups who meet to work on their projects together and learn from each other. The Crystal Patch meets at Annon’s home in University Place on the third Saturday of each month. For more information you can email her at emeraldpools@hotmail.com

For general information on the Washington State Gourd Society or the festival, Contact www.wagourdsociety.org or call (425)-678-8210