The New Mexico Gourd Society

Gourd art involves transforming hard-shell gourds into decorative pieces through carving, painting, burning, and other techniques. The art on display will include bowls, ornaments, spirit dolls, vases and even a decorative teapot. Many techniques have been used such as wood burning, carving, painting and adding embellishments to enhance the natural characteristics of this unique Cucurbitaceae family of fruits.

Gourd art is a traditional art form. Hard-shelled gourds have a long history of ornamental use, being turned into bowls and banjos and everything in between. Painted, carved or crafted, skillful artists turn these weird fruits into masterpieces. There was such an interest In this art medium that in 1937 the Gourd Society of America was founded.

The New Mexico Gourd Society is a not-for-profit organization which promotes the horticulture and appreciation of gourds, sharing information on growing gourds as well as decorating these natural beauties. Learn more about them at newmexicogourdsociety.org.

Participating artists in this exhibit are Pam Barcita,Twyla Caudrill, Charmaine Cook, Nina Donati, Caryl Goodman, Sara Hall, Karen Justice, Audrey Kessler, Ginger Larkin, Barb Lewis, Jeannie Pinel, Mary Lou Skelton and Dar Stone

The artists’ reception will be celebrated with fellowship and refreshments on Saturday, April 12, 1-3 pm.  A First Sunday in the Villages ARTScrawl event is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, from noon to 2pm. Come enjoy SOMA Coffee House coffee and see a demonstration on gourd wood burning technique.

Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective, supported by 15 local artists. Located at 221-B State Highway 165, the gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take a visual tour of monthly exhibits in the gallery at wildheartsgallery.com.