Colleen McKnight

Spirit of the Desert gourd patch is starting the New Year off on a run. January is a very busy month for us gourders.

As a patch we’re preparing to host the Arizona Gourds Society’s annual competition at the Wuertz Gourds Festival in Casa Grande on February 10-12. Over 220 entries are expected into this competition, from all over the United States. The acclaimed judges will award ribbons in over 50 categories and divisions. Over 8,000 people will then view all the incredible art and the judge’s selections. It is pure imagination and talent – definitely not to be missed! Plan a trip to the festival and be sure to stop by the competition hall. It has been held for the 14 years at the Casa Grande Fair Grounds, February 10-12. For more info check on on-line at wuertzfarm.com.

Besides running the competition, our patch will have a huge triple booth in the Vendor Barn. This will feature nearly all of our 50 members’ work. It’s a beautiful display – last year we had over 200 gourds for sale and nearly sold out! Members now are finishing up projects and getting ready for the big show. Hope to see you there.

Many of our members do sell their work all year also, and you can see them at spiritdesertgourds.com. Check under the Meet our Members and contact any member directly if you see something you’re interested in.

Our patch meets once a month on the third Thursday of the month in the Sun Lakes Country Club Arts and Crafts Room. We are open to all residents of the Valley. Come visit at our next meeting on January 19 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. There will be lots of friendly people, some beautiful member art during the Show and Share portion, some news about the festival and some yummy treats. Gourds are called nature’s canvas, and just about any type of art can translate onto a gourd. Stop by and see if it’s something for you!