In 2005 I founded the Wisconsin Gourd Society. As President it has been my
charter to encourage artists to try this new canvas, to educate the public on the use
of gourds in art and music and to teach new artists techniques particularly unique
to art on gourds.

Because gourds come in various sizes and shapes, painting or creating sculptures with them offers a special challenge to even the most experienced artists. Painting or pyrography “in the round” requires a different way of looking at placing flat images (i.e., taken from photos) on a canvas. Creating sculptures takes some innovation to attach
pieces, none of which are ever flat. Even simple coiling can be a challenge. I teach
artists how to look at the canvas in a new light, to see and create the third dimension.

So many people are heading “back to naturals” and gourds are one of nature’s most versatile gifts. While most often used in our country for art, in many cultures they are
prized for musical instruments and functional daily items like bowls and cups. In our
diverse society in Wisconsin gourds are being used more and more for these items.
I am a self-taught gourd artisan. My primary use for gourds is in making musical instruments, but much of the sideline art that I do is sculptural and functional. I tend to incorporate items found in nature, rocks, plant pods, natural dyes in most of my pieces. I teach gourd art at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, Whispering Woodlands in Verona and offer monthly and one-on-one classes on our farm in Blue Mounds.

Terri will be demonstrating carving, stain/color and coiling techniques throughout the weekend. Visitors will be encouraged to participate.

The Gourd Girl | 2099 County Road E, Blue Mounds, WI 53517 | 608-437-1944
thegourdgirl@yahoo.com

Images © Terri Schmit