Spirit of the Desert Gourds

This gourd, representing the artist’s impression of Arizona, was created by a member of the Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch. The gourd, from Wuertz Farm in Casa Grande, is cut, colored, and embellished with pheasant feathers, antler, and natural elements.

Spirit of the Desert Gourds is anxiously awaiting the return of all gourders! It seems like so long since we’ve all been together, and this fall brings the hopes of seeing many friends again. There is lots on our calendar.

We will be at two Sun Lakes Open Houses: Saturday, Oct. 9, at Cottonwood and Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Oakwood. At both of these events, you can see some beautiful gourd art, meet some of our members, and find out about gourds. Known as “nature’s canvas,” gourds lend themselves to just about any type of art. If you draw, paint, bead, weave, carve, wood burn, or embellish, gourds could be for you!

Next on our calendar is our monthly meeting in the Oakwood Arts and Crafts courtyard on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome! The meeting will be outdoors, weather permitting.

Of course, we’ll be talking about the gourd festival in February. The Arizona Gourd Society’s annual competition will again take place at the Wuertz Gourd Festival in February, 2022. The patch does plan to have a sales booth, so there will be lots to discuss.

Also, please mark on your calendar that the Painting Room in the Oakwood Arts and Crafts building is open to all gourders from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday. This includes members, guests, and visitors.

Stop by and meet some very knowledgeable, friendly people who can mentor and help you discover gourd art.

More information is available on our website SpiritDesertGourds.com.