Pennsylvania Gourd Fest

This year our PA gourd fest was held at a new location, the Shady Maple complex, a beautiful facility with a superb buffet eatery. This new location provided ample outdoor space as well as comfortable indoor space for our gourd club and vendors.

That sunny June Friday, I got my gourd fix and spent the day perusing the gourd art and shopping for those special gourds for my new projects. When I arrived, there were gourds of all varieties neatly organized in bins under a large canopied area. There were cutters available for those who wanted their gourds pre-cut and there were multiple gourd vendors with supplies and materials. I could feel the excitement in the air as I proceeded directly to the discount gourd boxes to find my treasures!

Now gourd lovers are friendly people and besides not knowing what you will find to kindle that creative spark, it is easy to find new friends while gourd shopping! I met some wonderful ladies that were shopping for gourd pieces in the bargain bins. They were busily pairing gourd tops and bottoms for birdhouses. Ideas were graciously shared and we had a grand time showing each other our finds and whimsical pairings. We all went our own way happily, with arms full.

Next I was off to see the inside area. As I entered there was a small lobby set up with a table and chairs set up for the free demonstrations. Down the hall, there was the great room with all the gourd vendors and artists. Beautiful gourd art displayed the many talents and styles that artisans explore, some inspire you to stretch your own talents while some are just awe inspiring. Although I did not sign up to take a class this year, there were curtained off areas for the classes with many students enjoying their new learning projects and techniques. PAGs had a wonderful display of musical gourd items and of course the gourd auction that featured finished items up for bid as well as supplies for the gourd artist. 

I decided to attend a demonstration on using epoxy sculpt as I had purchased some last year but did not know much about how to use it. The demonstration covered how to mix it, color it, and shape it and even gave the audience a bit of hands on.The demonstrator's experience in using epoxy sculpt definitely showed through her casual “no fear” teaching style.

After enjoying a delicious and plentiful buffet lunch, I made the rounds again through the inside area and stopped to talk with Sylvia who had her beautiful gourd art displayed for sale. Our supply and tool vendor Blue Whale Arts, was unable to attend this year and was missed but we hope they will be with us next year.

Although our new facility will prove to be a great location for our future gourd fests, I am sure we will all fondly remember the Smucker family who graciously hosted our gourd fests past. We all thank them for sharing their farm and for working hand in hand with us to make the fests a success and a wonderful experience to hold in our memories.

Gourd festivals are very inspiring and are a great place to explore the many modalities of gourd art.  Many states have their own chapters and some states have local "patches" that get together monthly to share techniques and projects.  Why don't you check your state for a gourd society chapter, visit and explore the creative world of gourds!