Northwest Gourd Festival Competition

YOUTH EXHIBITORS

JUNIORS - Youths ages 12 and under

Y-1

One decorated gourd, functional or decorative, any technique. (Youth exhibitors may also enter in the open or novice divisions.)

TEENS - Youths ages 13 – 17

Y-2

One decorated gourd, functional or decorative, any technique. (Youth exhibitors may also enter in the open or novice divisions.)

NOVICE DIVISION

Decorative Gourds Crafted in a CLASS, use of a TUTORIAL, or design taken from a BOOK or PUBLICATION that uses another artist's design. The limited use of coloring, stains or finishes is permitted, but the listed technique MUST be the predominate feature!

N-3

Carved, chiseled, gouged or cut design. Carving, chiseling, gouging or cut design must predominate.
Woodburned / Pyrography. Woodburning must predominate.
Weaving – a gourd woven with mixed materials, can be natural or manmade. Weaving must predominate.
Painted only.

Decorative Crafted Gourds, using your ORIGIONAL DESIGN - The limited use of coloring, stains or finishes is permitted, but the listed technique MUST be the predominate feature!

N-4

Woodburned / Pyrography Woodburning must predominate

N-5

Carved, chiseled, or gouged. Carving, chiseling or gouging must predominate.
Cut design that penetrates the gourd shell. Cutting must predominate

N-6

Beaded, clay or inlay embellishment - technique must predominate.
Weaving - A Gourd woven with mixed materials can be natural or man-made. Weaving must predominate.

N-7

Painted only.

N-8

Functional or decorative non-functional birdhouse/bird feeder. Any technique allowed.
Whole or cut gourd jewelry items (pin, earrings, bracelet, hair piece, etc.)
Gourd Hat or Purse – functional

N-9

Gourd Mask -- made to wear, display or hang on wall. Any technique allowed. Note: Masks without a display stand must have a loop or hanger so they may be hung for display.

My Way Gourd – Any technique allowed.

N-10

My Way -- Any technique or form allowed.

OPEN DIVISION

Decorative Gourds Crafted in a CLASS, use of a TUTORIAL or taken from a BOOK/PUBLICTION that uses another artist's design. The limited use of coloring, stains or finishes is permitted, but the listed technique MUST be the predominant feature!

O-11

Carved, chiseled, gouged or cut design -- Carving, chiseling, gouging or cut design must predominate.

Woodburned / Pyrography -- Woodburning must predominate.
Weaving -- a gourd woven with mixed materials, can be natural or manmade. Weaving must predominate.
Painted only.

Decorative Crafted Gourds – using your ORIGINAL design – the limited use of coloring, stains or finishes is permitted, but the listed technique MUST be the predominate feature!

O-12

Woodburned / Pyrography -- Woodburning must predominate.
Carved, chiseled, or gouged. -- Carving, chiseling or gouging must predominate.
Inlay -- any items may be inlaid into the gourd shell. Inlay technique must predominate.
Cut design -- that penetrates the gourd shell. Cutting must predominate.
Painted only.
Beaded embellishment -- Beading must predominate.
Clay embellishment -- Applied clay embellishments must predominate.
Weaving -- A Gourd woven with mixed materials can be natural or man-made. Weaving must predominate.

Miscellaneous

O-13

Birdhouse/bird feeder -- functional or decorative non-functional. Any technique allowed.
Toys -- Made predominantly from gourds.
Lamps and Illuminated gourds --lamp, candle or other lighted gourd. Note: Electricity is NOT available and lit candles are NOT allowed in the display. Your gourd will be displayed unlit unless it is provided with battery power.
Gourd Mask -- made to wear, display or hang on wall. Note: Masks without a display stand must have a loop or hanger so they may be hung for display.
Miniature Decorated Gourd -- Any technique is allowed. Note: Gourd and any embellishments must be 3" or less in all directions. If a stem is present, it will be included in the 3 inch measurement. No jewelry or holiday gourds allowed in this category.

Jewelry/ Wearable -- May use multiple gourds and accessories (beads, leather, string, thread, cord clasps, etc.) Whole or cut gourd jewelry items (pin, earrings, bracelet, hair piece, etc.) Any technique allowed.
Gourd Hats -- must be wearable, can be funny
Gourd Purse --- must be functional
Historical/Ethnic -- Any technique allowed. Asian, African, Celtic, Native American, Southwest theme.

Gourd Musical Instruments

O-14

Gourd Musical Instrument – must be predominantly gourd, and must be functional.

MY WAY – Any technique is allowed

O-15

My Way -- Any technique or form allowed.

MASTER CRAFTSMAN DIVISION

These categories are intended for the advanced to professional gourd crafter whose work has been exhibited in galleries, previously won top awards in art/gourd competitions, or has reached the level of fine art/craft. Master Craftsmen should include a biography with their entry form, which will be displayed with the entry.

MC-16

Northwest Design --** This is a new category, a ‘challenge type’ category, any technique or form is allowed. This challenge type category will change from year to year.

MC-17

Sculptural Gourds -- A fine art sculpture using more than one gourd, gourd parts and/or other materials.

MC-18

Vases, Bowls or Containers. Any technique allowed.

MC-19

My Way -- Any technique or form allowed.

It is the responsibility of the artist to enter their piece in the correct category. Be certain that you have read the specific criteria outline above for the category and make your decision accordingly; if the criteria specify carving with a clear finish only, do not stain the piece or add other embellishments. If you have questions about proper category placement, contact entry registration by email or phone, or contact a WSGS board member or the President of your patch for help.

Washington State Gourd Society Links Below