Art enthusiasts host gourd-eous art exhibit

The Washington State Gourd Society will be hosting a gourd art gallery and competition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 22 at Country Village in Bothell.

This holiday season, one group of artists and gourd enthusiasts are hoping to share their craft with the Northshore community.

Jeannette Chrane is on the Washington State Gourd Society’s board of directors, and said although this is only their second event, she hopes the community will come check it out.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for people in the area to see what can be done with gourds in varying levels of craft and art work,” she said.

Gourds can be carved, painted, burned and etched into a wide range of crafts, ranging from amulets and earrings to two-foot high burn-crafted works.

“When I got into it, I didn’t realize what a wide format there is for gourds. Basically anything that can be carved into wood can be carved into gourds,” Chrane said.

Gourd societies have been popping up all over the country, with Washington state having around seven smaller chapters where artists, ranging from beginners to experts, can come and hone their skills, even those who don’t fancy themselves as particularly creative.

Area artists will have gourds for sale and people are encouraged to bring their own gourd art to compete in a competition.

And if crafted and maintained properly, Chrane said a crafted gourd can last for years.

“The gourd itself is durable, it will last,” she said. “They can pass it on in the family.”

The Fine Gourd Art Gallery and Holiday Gift Show is free and open to the public.

The Washington State Gourd Society will be hosting the gourd art gallery and competition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 22 at Country Village in Bothell.