Iota Chapter of the American Gourd Society

< <   return to 2009 Gourd Art Show page

2009 Gourd Art Show
Entry & Award Categories

SPECIAL AWARDS

Special Dried Gourd Awards

Cash prizes are awarded in two dried gourd classes.

D03 Hand trained long handle dipper (tied in knots, tied with ropes, handle wrapped around pipe, etc.). $25 Jim Story Memorial Award.
D11 Largest lagenaria in circumference. $50 first place prize.

Visual Gourd Tutorial Award

A $10.00 cash prize is awarded for the best Visual Tutorial.

AA67 Visual gourd tutorial showing step-by-step process – can be directions for a project, a crafting technique, cleaning, etc. Must be illustrated or have samples at various
AP67 stages of completion. Exhibitor must furnish everything. $10 Cash award for first place.

Special Artist's Display Award

A $50.00 cash prize is awarded for the best Gourd Artist's Display.

AP71 Gourd Artist's Display. Pieces of artist's work consisting of multiple techniques; set in a display fitting on a 60" diameter round table, on a table cover or cloth. Judged on originality, uniqueness, workmanship and presentation of the items. $50 prize for first place.


SCHOOL AND YOUTH ORGANIZATION DIVISION

PARTICIPANTS UP TO 18 YEARS OF AGE

Category I - Crafted Gourds

JUDGING POINTS:

50% uniqueness and creativity
50% workmanship

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Entries in this class are made by groups, not individuals.
  2. Only one entry per class for each person in the group is allowed. Each entry must have the person's name, age, and the class being entered attached to it.
  3. Each school or organization participating in the competition will be required to provide a list of members' names, ages & classes entered, and an 8 1/2" x 11" placard with the group name for display with the entries.
  4. All work must be done by an individual in the group.
  5. Entries in this class must be done using egg gourds. A limited supply of gourds will be available from the Kentucky Gourd Society for entries in the current year's show. Contact Janet Barnett for availability.
  6. Stems are not mandatory, but must be cleaned if present.
  7. Use of artificial material is allowed; gourds must predominate.
  8. All open gourds need to be cleaned and finished for show quality.
  9. Please call Carol Bishop at (502) 254-5201 for entry details.

AWARDS:

  1. All entrants will receive Participation Ribbons.
  2. Within each school or organization's entry, competition ribbons will be awarded to the top five individuals in each entry class the school or organization enters.

CLASSES:

SY01 Egg gourd decorated for any holiday.
SY02 Creature or Critter sculpture using egg gourd. May use other gourds, gourd parts and materials.
SY03 I did it my way using egg gourds. Anything goes!


YOUNG ARTISTS DIVISION

PRIMARY (PC) = 7 YEARS OF AGE AND UNDER
JUNIOR (JC) = 8 TO 12 YEARS OF AGE
YOUTH (YC) = 13 to 15 YEARS OF AGE
TEEN (TC) = 16 to 18 YEARS OF AGE

Category I - Crafted Gourds

JUDGING POINTS:

10% originality
30% uniqueness of item
10% quality of gourd, adaptability and suitability to subject
50% workmanship

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. All work must be done by exhibitor; all entries receive a Participant Ribbon.
  2. Use of artificial and organic materials allowed, but gourds must predominate.
  3. Only one entry per person per category is allowed.
  4. All open gourds need to be cleaned and finished for show quality. Stems are not mandatory, but must be cleaned if present.
  5. Exhibitor's age must be on entry form and entry tags.

CLASSES:

PC/JC/YC/TC 01 Zoological – animals, birds, reptiles, and insects – may use other materials, gourds must predominate.
PC/JC/YC/TC 02 Gourd mask, wearable or hanging for display.
PC/JC/YC/TC 03 Birdhouse, three or more holes for drainage, opening size and height of entrance above floor per Audubon specifications, see page 32.
JC/YC/TC 04 Woodburned gourd, whole, cut or covered, clear finish optional.
PC/JC/YC/TC 05 Whole or cut gourd with clay embellishment.
PC/JC/YC/TC 06 Gourd bowl or container, any technique or combination of techniques.
PC/JC/YC/TC 07 Whole gourd, decorated, any technique or combination of techniques.
PC/JC/YC/TC 08 Gourd toy, any type.
PC/JC/YC/TC 09 I did it my way–if your creative thinking piece doesn't fit anywhere else, it goes here.


OPEN DIVISION

PARTICIPANTS OF ANY AGE

Category I - Dried Gourds

JUDGING POINTS:

50% cultural perfection, quality, cleanliness and maturity.
50% trueness to type (variety).

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Gourds must have been grown by exhibitor.
  2. Gourds must be mature and true to type.
  3. Gourds must have stems, unless otherwise noted.
  4. Stems must be washed, with skin and dirt removed from crevices.
  5. Gourds must be dried and clean of outer skin. See the How to Clean a Gourd for Competition section in the Appendix.
  6. Blossom end must be washed, with skin and dirt removed.
  7. Gourds must be unfinished, no wax, stain, etc., unless otherwise specified in the class description.
  8. Only one entry per person per category is allowed.
  9. Gourds should be uncut unless otherwise specified.

    An uncut gourd is one with the shell intact – not pierced or otherwise cut.

CLASSES:

Lagenaria (Hard-shell Gourds)

Lagenaria are hard-shelled gourds; they have white blooms.

D01 Long handle dipper gourd – longest, straightest handle (less than 4" curve in handle).
D02 Long-handle dipper gourd – longest curly handle dipper, measured from blossom end, around each curve, to the tip.
D03 Hand trained long handle dipper (tied in knots, tied with ropes, handle wrapped around pipe, etc.). $25 Jim Story Memorial Award.
D04 One hand-trained lagenaria, other than long-handled dipper (tied with ropes, grown in molds, boxes, etc.).
D05 Smallest dipper (uncut).
D06 One odd or freak, natural growth lagenaria (two or more if inseparable).
D07 Maranka gourd with most uniform, deepest ridges
D08 Three different varieties of large lagenaria (15" or over in length or circumference).
D09 Three different varieties of medium lagenaria (10" to 15" in length or circumference).
D10 Three different varieties of small lagenaria (under 10" in length or circumference).
D11 Largest lagenaria in circumference. $50 first place prize.
D12 Smallest lagenaria in overall size.
D13 Three Chinese bottle gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D14 Three cannonball gourds, uniform in size and shape, stems optional.
D15 Three canteen gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D16 Three lagenaria, same variety, uniform in size and shape.
D17 Three bottle or birdhouse gourds, uniform in size and shape (uncut).
D18 Three short handle dipper gourds, uniform in size and shape, 15" or less in length, uncut.
D19 One lagenaria, any variety, with hole for seed removal allowed.
D20 Cut dried gourd with thickest shell.
Cucurbits (Ornamental Gourds) - stems are optional for all Cucurbits

Cucurbits are ornamentals; they have yellow blooms.

D21 Five cucurbits, assorted in size and shape.
D22 Three egg gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D23 Three warted gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D24 Three pear gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D25 Three orange (or round) gourds, uniform in size and shape.
D26 One odd or freak, natural growth cucurbit (two or more if inseparable).
D27 One cucurbit, any variety, with hole for seed removal allowed.
Miscellaneous Dried Gourd Classes

Birdhouse: A gourd prepared so it would reasonably serve as a home for wild birds. It has an appropriate size hole, drainage holes, and a method of hanging/attaching to a support (such as a tree or post).

D28 Gourd with the longest stem, from gourd to first vine joint, gourd and stem must be cleaned.
D29 Best green-cleaned dried gourd.
D30 Undecorated gourd bowl, containing a variety of cucurbits (ornamentals).
D31 Largest number of whole small gourds in a wide-mouth quart Mason jar, with the lid and ring screwed on all the way.
D32 Dried gourd display of past year; must be cleaned and have a natural finish; clear sealer allowed. Any size, any type gourds, displayed in any manner.
D33 Birdhouse, functional, made to hang, undecorated, only stain and clear finish allowed; three or more holes for drainage, opening size / location and gourd size per Audubon specifications, see page 32.
D34 Gourd birdfeeder, undecorated, stain and clear finish allowed; functional, must hang or be self-supporting
D35 Gourd dipper, undecorated, no finishes, cut to use as a dipper.


ADULT DIVISION

ADULT = OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE

Category I - Crafted Gourds

Amateur Artist (AA) has not sold work or taught classes for money.
Professional Artist (AP) has sold work or taught classes for money.

JUDGING POINTS:

10% originality
30% uniqueness of item
10% quality of gourd, adaptability and suitability to subject
50% workmanship

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Gourds may be purchased for crafting.
  2. Gourds must predominate in all entries. A gourd or gourd pieces must be obvious as all or the major part of the entry.
  3. Only one entry per person per entry class is allowed.
  4. All work must be done by exhibitor, except as noted.
  5. Items entered in a previous Kentucky Gourd Society show may not be entered. Items entered in other gourd shows may be entered.
  6. All open gourds need to be cleaned to remove surface dirt and membrane, and finished, inside and out, for show quality. Stems are not mandatory, but must be cleaned if left on gourd. See "How to Clean a Gourd for Competition" in Appendix for additional information.
  7. See "Entering Your Gourd and Winning a Ribbon" in Appendix for additional information.
  8. Artists who have neither sold work nor taught classes for money should enter Adult Amateur classes (beginning with AA). Artists who have either sold work or taught classes for money must enter Adult Professional classes (beginning with AP).

DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES:

  • Translucent and clear protective finishes are allowed on all entries. Translucent finishes may be colored, but must be sheer enough to see the natural characteristics and markings of the gourd through them. Examples: colored shoe polish, dye.
  • Natural materials are allowed (and encouraged!!) on all entries. Examples: linen or cotton cords, pine needles, animal or plant parts, and flowers. They may be dyed.
  • Man-made materials are allowed on all entries unless otherwise specified. Examples: many paints and dyes, glass or plastic beads, and wires.
  • Artificial sinew is allowed on all entries. It is a waxed nylon imitation of natural sinew (animal tendon), used as a binding/beading material.
  • Whole gourd: An uncut gourd, whose shell is still intact.
  • Cut gourd: Any gourd whose surface has been cut, partially or completely, with a tool such as a knife, saw, hot woodburning pen, awl, or other implement. The gourd does not have to be cut into two pieces, just cut completely through the shell. Examples: bowls, vases, covered containers and baskets.
  • Gourd bowl: A gourd with the top portion cut off. The general appearance is a container that is intended to sit still.
  • Covered container: A cut gourd with a cover. The cover may be attached with a hinge or similar means, or removable; made from a gourd piece or other material. Examples: bowls and vessels with a lid, jewelry and music boxes.
  • Gourd basket: A gourd with the top cut off and a carrying handle attached, or cut so part of the gourd remains to act as a handle. The general appearance is a container with a handle for carrying items.
  • The inside surface of cut gourds and covered containers may be painted, stained, decoupaged or otherwise finished.
  • Embellishment: Any decorative item, natural or artificial, attached to a gourd for the purpose of improving the appearance of the work. Examples: beads, charms, bear claws.

CLASSES:

Woodburned

Woodburning: Marking the surface of a gourd by the use of heat, ordinarily using a woodburner system. Other possibilities include heated metal tools or torches.

AA01 AP01 Whole gourd, woodburned only; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA02 AP02 Cut gourd, with or without cover, woodburned only; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA03 AP03 Whole gourd, woodburned; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
AA04 AP04 Cut gourd, with or without cover, woodburned; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
Pen and Ink

Pen and Ink: The application of lines and shaded areas to form a drawing on a gourd using a pen and ink. Common pens include refillable pens (such as Rapidograph, etc.), and pre-filled pens.

AA05 AP05 Whole gourd, pen and ink only; colored ink, translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA06 AP06 Cut gourd, with or without cover, pen and ink only; colored ink, translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA07 AP07 Whole gourd, pen and ink; colored ink allowed, with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
AA08 AP08 Cut gourd, with or without cover, pen and ink; colored ink allowed, with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
Carved, Chip-carved, Chiseled, Gouged

Carving: Any result of removal of a portion of the shell of a gourd exposing the undersurface. Knives, rotary tools, gouges, or any other tools may be used for this general result. Chipping: A type of carving performed with gouging tools to "chip" out a small piece of a gourd at a time.
AA09 AP09 Whole gourd, carved, chiseled, chip-carved or gouged only; stain, translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA10 AP10 Cut gourd, with or without cover, carved, chiseled, chip-carved or gouged only; stain, translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA11 AP11 Whole gourd, carved, chiseled, chip-carved or gouged; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
AA12 AP12 Cut gourd, with or without cover, carved, chiseled, chip-carved or gouged; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).

Colored – Painted, Stained or Dyed

Colored gourd: A gourd whose color has been changed with dye, paint, crayon, pencil, marker, or other commonly accepted coloring media.

AA13 AP13 Whole gourd, colored only; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA14 AP14 Cut gourd, with or without cover, colored only; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA15 AP15 Whole gourd, colored; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
AA16 AP16 Cut gourd, with or without cover, colored; with additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s).
AA17 AP17 Whole, uncut, painted gourd, Kentucky resident only.
Basketry, Weaving

Gourd vessel: A cut gourd bowl, vase, or other container (not including baskets); with or without lid/cover. May sit still or hang.
Gourd bowl: A gourd with the top portion cut off. The general appearance is a container that is intended to sit still.
Gourd basket: A gourd basket is a gourd either with the top cut off and a carrying handle attached, or cut so part of the gourd remains to act as a handle. The general appearance is a container with a handle for carrying items. Weaving materials may be dyed. Artificial sinew is allowed. A lid or cover is optional on vessels and baskets.

AA18 AP18 Gourd vessel with organic or man-made weaving materials (reed, pine needles, vines, cane, natural raffia, etc.); additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) allowed.
AA19 AP19 Gourd basket with organic or man-made weaving materials (reed, pine needles, vines, cane, natural raffia, etc.); additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) allowed.
Beading, Mosaic, Inlay

Beading: Use of beads to apply design and patterns to a gourd. May or may not cover entire gourd.
Mosaic: Execution of a design on a gourd by setting small tiles into an adhesive medium, using small gourd pieces or other material.
Inlay: The application of a secondary material into a carved section of a gourd.
Huichol-Style Bowl: The bowl is made from a gourd lined with small beads pressed into beeswax.

AA20 AP20 Gourd bowl with inlaid beadwork, Huichol-style; clear protective finish allowed.
AA21 AP21 Gourd, whole, cut, or covered container, beaded; additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) optional.
AA22 AP22 Gourd, whole, cut, or covered container, mosaic; additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) optional.
AA23 AP23 Gourd, whole, cut, or covered container, with inlay; additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) optional.
Wire, Solder
AA24 AP24 Wire on gourd or gourd pieces; additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) optional.
AA25 AP25 Gourd or gourd piece(s) using solder techniques; additional technique(s) and/or embellishment(s) optional.
Special Shaped Gourds
AA26 AP26 Handled dipper, cut or uncut, any length, any technique or combination of techniques.
AA27 AP27 Miniature gourd, finished length 2" or less, any technique or combination of techniques.
Techniques Not Specified Elsewhere (Foil, Papier-mβchι, Molded, Decoupage, etc.)

Single technique or combination of techniques other than those specified in entry classes AA01-AA27 and AP01-AP27.

AA28 AP28 Whole gourd, any single technique not specified elsewhere; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA29 AP29 Cut gourd, with or without cover, any single technique not specified elsewhere; translucent and clear protective finishes allowed.
AA30 AP30 Whole gourd, any combination of techniques not specified elsewhere.
AA31 AP31 Cut gourd, with or without cover, any combination of techniques not specified elsewhere.
Jewelry
AA32 AP32 A single jewelry article, cut out; any technique or combination of techniques. A set of earrings counts as one article.
AA33 AP33 A single jewelry article, whole gourd; any technique or combination of techniques. A set of earrings counts as one article.
AA34 AP34 Jewelry set, 2 or more articles: earrings, broach, necklace, hairpiece, bracelet, etc.; any technique or combination of techniques.
Lighted Gourds, Including Holiday Gourds
AA35 AP35 Gourd lamp with shade; use of artificial shade, organic, electrical, and man-made materials allowed. Low-wattage bulbs recommended.
AA36 AP36 Luminary, electrical or battery, no candles for safety reasons; light must be inside gourd.
AA37 AP37 Other lighted gourds, not lamps or luminaries, electrical material allowed.
Gourd Sculpture
AA38 AP38 Gourd sculpture, abstract or realistic, two or more gourds must be used.
AA39 AP39 Zoological realistic figure – animals, birds, reptiles, and insects – may use organic and man-made materials; gourds must predominate.
AA40 AP40 Zoological fantasy figure – animals, birds, reptiles, insects – may use organic and man-made materials; gourds must predominate.
AA41 AP41 Teapot, pitcher or tea set, any technique or combination of techniques.
AA42 AP42 Whole or cut gourd with sculptural clay embellishment.
For the Birds

Items in this class are decorative rather than functional, and are not required to meet Audubon Society guidelines for judging. (If you do intend to use them for birds, please follow the guidelines.)

AA43 AP43 Birdhouse, made to hang, decorated (painted, stained, carved, chip-carved, woodburned, etc.); only organic embellishments allowed.
AA44 AP44 Gourd birdfeeder, decorated, must hang or be self-supporting.
Musical Instruments
AA45 AP45 Musical instrument, percussion, – such as drum, tambourine, or balaphone.
AA46 AP46 Musical instrument, stringed – such as guitar, fiddle, banjo.
AA47 AP47 Musical instrument, wind – such as flute, ocarina, or didgeridoo.
AA48 AP48 Musical instrument, shakers – such as rattle, rainstick or shakeree.
Native American / Southwestern Inspired

Gourd vessel: A cut gourd bowl, vase, or other container (not including baskets); with or without lid/cover. May sit still or hang.

AA49 AP49 Native American or Southwestern-style crafted gourd vessel.
AA50 AP50 Other Native American or Southwestern-style crafted gourd (rattle, drum, mask, etc.).
Wearable, other than Jewelry
AA51 AP51 Gourd hat.
AA52 AP52 Gourd purse.
AA53 AP53 Gourd mask, any medium, must be wearable.
Dolls
AA54 AP54 Dressed gourd head doll, body can be made of other materials.
AA55 AP55 Gourd doll, body made of gourds, limbs and head may be gourds or other material; clothes optional.
Holiday, Excluding Lighted Gourds
AA56 AP56 Whole gourd figure, Santa only; single gourd, figure covers entire gourd.
AA57 AP57 Whole gourd figure, snowman only; single gourd, figure covers entire gourd; man-made items may be used.
AA58 AP58 Christmas holiday crafted gourd, man-made items may be used.
AA59 AP59 Whole gourd Christmas ornament, man-made items may be used.
AA60 AP60 Cut out gourd Christmas ornament, man-made items may be used.
AA61 AP61 Christmas tree, unlighted, may be artificial, 3 ft. tall or less, decorated with gourds, gourd pieces, gourd seeds, vines, or any other gourd parts. All work must be done by the exhibitor.
AA62 AP62 Easter holiday crafted gourd, manmade items may be used.
AA63 AP63 Halloween holiday crafted gourd, manmade items may be used.
Miscellaneous
AA64 AP64 Mixed media subject, must be gourd theme, photo or visual art, wearable or home decor.
AA65 AP65 Story telling gourd, multiple scenes.
AA66 AP66 Diorama in a cut gourd; man-made materials allowed.
AA67 AP67 Visual gourd tutorial showing step-by-step process – can be directions for a project, a crafting technique, cleaning, etc. Must be illustrated or have samples at various stages of completion. Exhibitor must furnish everything. $10 Cash award for first place.
AA68 AP68 Collaborative gourd piece. Work done by more than one person. Any technique or combination of techniques. Anything goes!
AA69 AP69 I did it my way (if it doesn't fit anywhere else, it goes here), artificial materials allowed, gourds must predominate.
AA70 AP70 Overflow – If you have a second entry which would have gone in one of the other classes, you may place it here. This class is for display only and will not be judged.
Gourd Artist's Display
AP71 Gourd Artist's Display. Pieces of artist's work consisting of multiple techniques; set in a display fitting on a 60" diameter round table; on a table cover or cloth. Judged on originality, uniqueness, workmanship and presentation of the items. Entry tag must be displayed on table. $50 prize for first place.


Category II - Floral Design

JUDGING POINTS:

40% gourd use
25% design
25% creativity
10% conformance to class

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Gourds must predominate.
  2. No artificial flowers, fruit or foliage permitted (unless specified).
  3. Liners allowed.
  4. Stems are not mandatory, but must be cleaned if left on gourd.

CLASSES:

AF01 Arrangement using organic dried plant material in an undecorated gourd container.
AF02 Arrangement in a decorated gourd container using fresh green plant material.
AF03 Undecorated gourd container with live plant(s).
AF04 Decorated gourd container with live plants(s).
AF05 Decorated gourd container with silk flowers.
AF06 Three flowers, with stems, made of gourds; no foliage or fillers.
AF07 Centerpiece, gourds must predominate; anything goes!
AF08 I did it my way (if it doesn't fit anywhere else, it goes here), artificial materials allowed, gourds must predominate.


Category III – Gourds for All Seasons

JUDGING POINTS:

50% originality
50% workmanship

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Gourds may be purchased for crafting.
  2. All work must be done by exhibitor.
  3. Any materials are allowed, but gourds must predominate.
  4. Only one entry per person per class is allowed.
  5. All open gourds must be cleaned inside and out, and finished for show quality. Stems are not mandatory, but must be cleaned if present.
  6. At least five different shapes (or techniques for entry class AC03) listed in the class must be present and easily recognizable somewhere in your entry. Individual shapes (or techniques) may be repeated.
  7. Different shapes may be executed in different media on the same piece of work or attached to it.
  8. Any technique or combination of techniques may be used – cut out, pieced, painted, stained, woodburned, beaded, carved, pen & ink – anything goes!
  9. Any type of gourd piece may be entered – whole gourd, vessel, hat, mask, jewelry, doll, basketry, sculpture, birdhouse, wall-hanging, anything goes!

CLASSES:

AC01 Summer at the Beach: Any gourd, any techniques, must contain at least five of the following shapes featured in the Summer 2008 KGS newsletter – Octopus, seashell, fish, turtle, seahorse, porpoise, eel, jellyfish, coral, crab.
AC02 Fall Harvest. Any gourd, any techniques, must contain at least five of the following shapes featured in the Fall 2008 KGS newsletter – basket, cornucopia, apple, pawpaw, pear, eggplant, pepper, carrot, corn.
AC03 Winter Cabin Fever: Any gourd, any techniques, must contain at least five of the following crafting techniques featured in the Winter 2009 KGS newsletter – woodburning, coloring (paint/stain/dye), beading, weaving, pen and ink, clay, carving/gouging, inlay, mosaic.
AC04 Spring Flowers: Any gourd, any techniques, must contain at least five of the following shapes featured in the Spring 2009 KGS newsletter – flower basket, tulip, lilac, violet/pansy, rose, iris, lily, sunflower, morning glory.

< <   return to 2009 Gourd Art Show page   |   ^ top

 

Kentucky Gourd Society
P.O. Box 905
Taylorsville, KY 40071
1-877-765-8594
kgs@elkcreek.net
All Rights Reserved