Diane Wimmer

About half of Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch has packed up to leave for the summer. The last meeting for this season was April 19 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Oakwood Arts and Craft Center. There was a demo by Julie Hemer on shading with your wood burner. This was be the last meeting until October, but for those who stay, remember, the Oakwood Arts and Crafts Framing room and our supply cabinet are still available all summer. Sunday workshops from noon to 3:00 p.m. will continue as long as there is interest.

The next meeting will take place October 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sun Lakes Country Club.

A number of gourd patch artists participated in a recent class on April 7 presented by Maria Dellos, Tucson gourd artist and supply distributor, who demonstrated a number of new techniques and tools for gourds. The class was well attended, and participants were excited by the techniques demonstrated.

Patch members are addressing new workshops and demos for next year. Julie Hemer has agreed to present two workshops to teach her Nativity Set figures. The November class is full, but there are still slots available for December. Other workshop topics and dates will be published as they are confirmed.

Arizona Gourd Society is sponsoring a Play Day Wednesday on May 16 at Heritage Park, Garden Ramada, in Prescott, Arizona. AGS members should RSVP your attendance, if you haven’t already, so they will have an accurate headcount for supplies and lunch.

Email [email protected] (please note “AZGS Play Date” in the subject line).

Keep an eye on the website, https://www.spiritdesertgourds.com, in the next few weeks for updates!