Our members have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Many are making gourd ornaments for family and friends.

We also have our Christmas Party scheduled for Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Oakwood Poolside Café, where members will exchange handmade gourd Christmas ornaments.

We attended Open Houses this fall at Cottonwood and Oakwood, meeting many potential new members. We meet at the Oakwood Painting Room in the Arts and Crafts building every Monday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a learning experience watching all levels of gourd artists creating gourds that are wood-burned, painted, sculpted, beaded, woven, etc. The gourd is an unlimited palette of opportunities for an artist, from crafter to skilled artist.

We are also busy making plans for the Wuertz Gourd Festival Feb. 11-13, 2022. It is said to be the biggest and best in the United States. Join us there at the Pinal County Fairgrounds just outside of Casa Grande.

If you are interested in joining our fun group, stop by on Monday in the Oakwood Painting Room, and someone there can answer any questions you have, or give our co-president Julie Hemer a call at 715-965-5016.