Ann

I first became interested in gourds in 1996. I attended a large holiday show held at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds and happened to stumble upon a booth that was filled with amazing gourd art. Of course, at the time I didn’t know anything about this type of art form and had to ask the artist what it was all about.  I purchased one of her Christmas gourds and cherish it to this day. It wasn’t until my husband and I moved back to southeast Michigan that I decided to try to locate others that perhaps could teach me more about the art of gourds. I was on a California gourd website and happened to see Chris' address, which was near where I was now living, and her e-mail and thus, my introduction to a very talented artist and the world of gourds. I took Chris’s first gourd class she offered and there was only myself and Pam as her students, but I certainly learned a lot and decided that gourds were for me. 

I volunteer to help at our booth whenever the opportunity arises and for the last two years have extremely enjoyed my time at the Michigan Festival of Gourds held in Imlay City.   I haven’t won a lot of ribbons, but each one I take home gives me more confidence for my next ‘creation’.  I also am beginning to know what I’m good at, which techniques I enjoy doing, and what I’m not so good at!

We have so many amazingly talented artists that not only share their techniques and are eager to help when called upon but are kind and compassionate towards one another; it’s the latter that really makes this group special and makes me proud to be a part of it.

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Gourd Guild