Show Me Gourd Society Recap by Sophia deLaat

2016 Gourd Art Festival

Held April 9th and 10th in Springfield at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

Written by Sophia deLaat

In the midst of my crazy life I am so fortunate to be a part of the unique and artistic world of gourds.  Every year societies across the United States put on a celebration to which we invite the whole country.  I can only compare it to the Native American Pow Wow where tribes gather yearly to see old friends, share artistic achievements and celebrate together.

Kudos to our president, Melynda Lotven.  Her first festival was by no means an easy job.  We lost our venue after printing up all the show bulletins.  She had a supportive team, but the problems must have looked epic at first.   Many hands make work light and successful.  This year’s festival was just that.

Where else can an artist be so supported to grow artistically?  A person can enter at any level. This year we even had many youth entries.  At the other end of the spectrum, our Master’s Division has grown to the extent that we are beginning to ask, “What’s next?” How can everyone be challenged to bring new and exciting energy to our craft?

We continue to hone the division descriptions to challenge artists to step out of their comfort zone.  One of the new divisions across the spectrum of abilities called for a moving gourd….literally incorporating a little technology into the crafted piece. Kevin Oeklaus’ snail won my heart.  It moved like a snail as music played, “You Can’t Hurry Love.”  Melynda Lotven’s witch delighted us by moving and cackling across the floor.  All of the entries were delightful, but Suzy Meelhuysen’s  work captured our imaginations by redefining the possible.  She crafted a Steampunk’d Pirate ship with moving parts to win the distinction of Best of Show. She really did out do herself!

Another division opened to all was a Try It For the First Time challenge.   Everyone was invited to try filigree.   The third annual Mystery Challenge is quickly becoming a favorite attraction.   Ten dollars bought you a paper bag with “stuff” and a gourd with which to create something at least interesting. This challenge is a fun(d) raiser that surprises and delights.

The party/dinner on Saturday night brings together old friends and makes new ones.  We had guests from Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas! Along with a yummy dinner, artists showed off a gourd hat.  Wow! The level of ingenuity was staggering.  Sandy Heimann won by applause meter.  Lindy and Ann entries were fabulous.  Picture each with a nest on their head….a chicken in one and a duck in the other.  Not only that, but the wings and tails moved as they led the diners in a rendition of the Chicken Dance. Pretty hilarious!

I look forward to next year’s festival, especially now that I know our festival is not only an artistic Pow Wow, but a pretty good party! Come join us next April.

List of our some of our awards.

Suzy Meelhuysem Wasola, Missouri,  Artist of the year

Best of Show Suzy Meelhuysem’s,  Wasola, Missouri with her Pirate Ship

Best of Master Division Helen Child,  Decater, Georgia carved vase

Best in Advanced Division and Mayors Award Madonna Watermon  St. Louis,  Missouri carved vase

Best in Intermediate Division  Barb Besch, tribal vase

Best in Novice division Cindy Cartwright Bella Vista Arkansas cut and painted sea scene

Show Chair Award Barb Besch, Blue Eye,  Missouri,  grape carved vase

Mayor’s Award, Mayor Bob Stephens Springfield, Missouri , Madonna Watermon of St. Louis Missouri

Presidents Award Michelle Lee and Cammy Britt Joplin Missouri for the Octopus

People’s Choice: Rhonda Kesner Nested Birds

Find the FULL Album of the show HERE

https://www.flickr.com/photos/141148183@N08/albums

 

The above link should open a drop box folder where honor award pictures can be found and downloaded. They include:

Artist of the year/Best of Show:Suzy Meelhuysem Wasola, Missouri (Pirate Ship)

Best of Advanced Division and Springfield Mayor’s Award (Bob Stephens) – Madonna Waterman, St. Louis, MO (carved vase)

Best of Master Division: Helen Child,  Decater, Georgia (carved vase)

Best in Intermediate Division:  Barb Besch – Blue Eye, Missouri (tribal vase)

Best in Novice division: Cindy Cartwright Bella Vista Arkansas cut and painted sea scene

Best of Youth division:  Morgan Club (house) Show Chair Award: Barb Besch, Blue Eye, Missouri (grape carved vase) Presidents Award: Michelle Lee and Cammy Britt Joplin Missouri for the Octopus

People’s Choice: Rhonda Kesner

You should be able to open the SMGS Festival photos by going to the SMGS website: http://showmegourdsociety.org and clicking on the link to Festival photos.

*Attached photo is from 2015 when Sophia won Best of Show