Texas Gourd Society (TGS)

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Texas Gourd Society is to promote interest in and appreciation of gourds, both to our membership and to the general public. We will do this by sharing information through education, meetings, festivals and shows related to the culture, history, uses, crafting and artistry of gourds.

2008 LONE STAR GOURD FESTIVAL

October 18-19, 2008
Gillespie County Fairgrounds
Fredericksburg, Texas

Please click here to download The 2008 Show Flyer. (PDF format)

Click here to download the Vendor Information Packet and Contract. (PDF format)
If you are unable to print the Vendor packet or if you wish a printed copy via US Mail, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope and $ 1.00 (reproduction costs) to John Flewharty, 1511 Kings Row, Denton, TX 76209

Click here to view a layout of the show including vendors to date -- updated 6/02/08. (PDF format)
Only two booths left – hurry and reserve yours now!

Click here to download the Juried Competition Guidelines.
Click here to download the Competition Entry Form.
(Both files are Word documents)
If you are unable to print the Competition packet or if you wish a printed copy via US Mail, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope and $1.00 (reproduction costs) to Judy Richie, 708 Mockingbird Lane, Kerrville, TX 78028

Click here for a Teacher Application Form if you would like to teach classes at the Festival.

Click here for an overview schedule of classes; here for class descriptions, photos, details, and fees; and here for a student application for classes.
It is strongly recommended that you contact Betty Vertin at 830-367-4454 before submitting your class application to check on space availability. Spaces cannot be reserved by telephone; spaces are assigned upon receipt of your check.
If in the detail of classes a class is shown as “Sold Out” and if you wish to be placed on a waiting list, please send a separate check and a separate registration form for that class – we will hold your check and if you are not placed in the class, we will return your check uncashed. This will eliminate delays in placing you in other classes you might request.

We suggest you make your motel reservations early – there are other events in Fredericksburg this weekend and a block of reserved rooms is not available. You may visit http://www.hill-country-visitor.com or http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com
for a listing of lodging in the area. These sites contain a lot of useful information about the Fredericksburg area. If you need assistance with travel arrangements, you may also contact our members Elic & Lydia Knight at 214-385-6224 or elicknightsr@sbcglobal.net
Additional information on motels and RV parks in the Kerrville area (20 miles away) may be found here.

*** Nationally-known gourd artists Bonnie Gibson, Betsy Roberts, and Kathy Riker will have booths at our show and will be teaching classes. Maria Dellos will be conducting demonstrations of her gourd artistry. Please check back for more details soon. ***

TGS Extends a Texas-sized “Thank You” to Anne and Barry Bradley, owners of the Artisans at Rocky Hill Gallery.for hosting the first annual Bluebonnet Trails Gourdfest and Sale April 18 – May 18,2008,and for supporting TGS gourd artists. The show was a huge success – 33 gourds were sold. Please visit them at http://www.artisansatrockyhill.com/ and stop by their new location at 234 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, when they open June 20.

If you are traveling in New Mexico and are in the Bloomfield area, in the far northwest corner on U.S. 64, stop by the Salmon Ruins (6131 Highway 64, Bloomfield, 505-632-2013) and see the exhibit by artist Douglas G. Miller, "Seven Wonders", featuring Perseverance Castle, a sculpture of gourds and glue. The castle measures 17 & _" tall x 10" diameter x 31 & _ " around. This is Mr. Miller’s first sculpture with gourds. The castle is constructed of thousands of gourd shard pieces, hand carved individually to build and furnish the castle. He meticulously fashioned each piece of the intricate floor and castle with the pieces. Looking closely, the viewer can see stairwells, furnishings, and other minute details through windows and doorways of the structure. This sculpture won First Place at the National Gourd Society Juried Art Competition in 2006. This castle was featured in a recent edition of the American Gourd Society’s The Gourd magazine. Mr. Miller sent a special invitation to all members of the Texas Gourd Society to view the exhibit, which runs March 15, 2007 through June 2008

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION