The Bloomin’Gourd -Special Edition Georgia Gourd Society

Gourd Art Competition, Gourd Art Classes, Gourds and Supplies

Located at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Griffin, GA 1025 South Hill Street

Open to Public Saturday 8AM to 5 PM and Sunday 10PM to 4 PM Open Sunday Morning 8:30 AM for Classes

GourdFest 2016Important Message to Georgia Gourd Society Members

Gourdfest is just 16 days away. I do hope that our members are getting all their competition pieces

polished and ready. Remember that the competition rules are on the

website along with registration forms and tags. If at all possible

please have your tags ready when you come to check in on Friday,

September 23rd.

The dinner menu for Saturday Night is as follows:

Dinner #1 Rice with vegetables, Chicken Cordon Blue, Yellow Plantain & Green Sal-

ad. $12.00

Dinner #2 White Rice with beans, Roasted Pork, Yellow Plantain and Green Salad.

$12.00

Please e-mail your reservations to Ellen Tatum ewtatum@bellsouth.net with your

choice of dinner. These reservations must be made by SEPTEMBER 15th in order for

Sam to be able to buy the necessary supplies. Tropical Delights will be serving break-

fast, lunch and snacks during the show hours.

A few things to remember:

Classes are on the Internet under Georgia Gourd Society so please make sure you sign

up soon. We have some great classes.

Donations are needed for the Market Place.

Please bring a dish for the Friday Night Dinner for our Vendors and Judges and any-

one else that is working the show. Any type of vegetable dish or dessert will be appre-

ciated. The Society will buy the fried chicken and rolls.

I need volunteers to help with the following: move tables, set up dinner for vendors,

mark off vendor spots and to help clean up after the show. We no longer have the

boys and girls that use to help us with the cleaning so please help. Any amount of

time you can give will be appreciated as this is your society.

Let’s make this another Great Gourdfest!

Ellen Tatum – President Georgia Gourd Society

Directions to the 2016 Georgia GourdFest Location

The Griffin Kiwanis facility is easy to access. It is located at 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224.

Directions: Southbound from the Atlanta area on I-75 to EXIT 205 (GA 16) Right (West) on Hwy 16 for 10.5 miles to the center of Griffin Left (South) on South Hill Street (US 19 Bus. / US 41 Bus. / GA 155) Travel south on S. Hill ST for 1.5 miles and the Kiwanis facility will be on your right. Northbound from the Macon area on I-75 to EXIT 205 (GA 16) Left (West) on Hwy 16 for 10.5 miles to the center of Griffin Left (South) on South Hill Street (US 19 Bus. / US 41 Bus. / GA 155) Travel south on S. Hill ST for 1.5 miles and the Kiwanis facility will be on

your right.

Days Inn Griffin

Address: 1719 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 229-9797

Baymont Inn & Suites Griffin

Address: 2007 N. Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 229-9900

Super 8 Griffin

Address: 2010 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 228-1393

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Address: 1616 N North Expressway, Griffin, GA

Phone:(770) 227-8400

Quality Inn & Suites

Address: 2014 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 229-6001

Scottish Inn

Address: 1709 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 228-6000

Comfort Inn & Suites

Address: 1906 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(678) 688-9999

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Griffin

Address: 1900 N Expy, Griffin, GA 30223

Phone:(770) 228-9799

Express Inn &

Suites - Griffin

Address: 1690 N

Expy, Griffin, GA

30223

Phone:(770) 227-

1516

Hampton Inn

Address: 2007 N

Expy, Griffin, GA

30223

Phone:(770) 229-

9900

Prepare to have fun and enjoy one another’s gourd art. It is ART!! There will be an entry table set up on Friday September 23 from 1:00 until 5:00. For our workers on Friday, someone will be available at noon. You should arrive with a competition registration sheet and tags filled out. You can find these forms on the GGS Website link— http://www.georgiagourdsociety.com/2016-GourdFest.html Click on the link “Competition Registration Form” and “Competition Tags.”

http://www.georgiagourdsociety.com/2016_competition_registration_forms.pdf http://www.georgiagourdsociety.com/2015_tags_BW.pdf

Artist Number: This num ber w ill allow us to keep track of our entry throughout the judging process and returning the entries to you on Sunday at 4:00 PM You will place the artist number on each entry tag and the competition registration form. he numbers will be given out at the registration table on Friday OR - You can obtain an art-ist number for your entries in advance - email southerngourds@gmail

Categories and Divisions The Categories, Divisions, and Rules are one the same Website page as the competition registration and tag. You should read these to understand where to place your entries 4—Growers, 2 - Master, 3 -Grand Master, and 5 -Youth arts & crafts. If this is your first time to enter a gourd competition—

mark your entry with the words NEW ARTIST

2016 Competition Rules and Categories

Adult Crafted Gourd Divisions

Entrants must be a member of the American Gourd

Society or any state gourd society. If you are not a

member and would like to enter a piece in competi-

tion, you must first join the Georgia Gourd Society

and/or the American Gourd Society at the main infor-

mation desk. Youth categories are exempt from this

rule. All of the participants’ entries must compete in

only one division level.

NOVICE DIVISION

The Novice Division was instituted to allow all artists who are developing the basic techniques to

compete among their peers with similar skills.

The Novice entrant should not have exhibited in more than four gourd shows, won more than 10

first place awards (blue ribbons) in any gourd show in any two (2) year period or won a major award

in this division.

Anyone entering this division must place all their entries in this division. The novice can compete in

either Masters or Grand Masters but all of the contestant’s entries must compete in only one divi-

sion level.

MASTER DIVISION

The Master Division was instituted for those artists who have mastered the basic techniques and are

ready to compete with a wider range of competitors. The Master Division is open to all competitors.

Entrants can have sold or taught for a fee. Those entrants who have won more than 20 first place

awards (blue ribbons) in this division or won a major award must advance to the Grand Master Di-

vision. Anyone entering this division must place all their entries in this division

GRAND MASTER DIVISION

The Grand Master Division was instituted for the accomplished artist whose art and skills have been

recognized as superior. Anyone entering this division must place all their entries in this division.

Anyone in the Grand Master Division will remain in this division until, or when, a new division is

created. Qualifying Grand Master entrants cannot compete in the Master or Novice

Art and Craft entries will be judged according to the AGS Judging Option B

http://www.americangourdsociety.org/judging.html

2016 Competition Categories

ADULT CRAFTED GOURD CATEGORIES

First place, second place, and third place awards will be

given for entry categories 9 through 43 in entrant classifi-

cations.

Categories with a GM prefix designate the Grand Master

Division; The M prefix designates the Master Division; and

N designates the Novice Division.

MUSICAL CLASS

GM9. M9 N9: Gourd musical instrument, functional. In-cludes drums, rattles, shekeres, etc. Any techniques.

PYROGRAPHY (WOODBURNING) w hole or cut gourd

GM10. M10. N10: Pyrography with or without other tech-niques. Pyrography must dominate, ornamentation permit-ted.

GOURD CARVING CLASS – whole or open gourd

GM11 (Grand Master only) Carved Gourds, Chiseled, chip carved, Fretwork, Cut Gourd or Gouged gourds are allowed in the NEW GM11 category. One or more of these tech-niques may be combined to create a design. All coloring mediums are al-lowed as well as rim treatments.

M11 and N11: Carved Gourd pertains to the removal of the outer gourd shell: filigree and etching are to be considered carving. Other techniques allowed but carving must domi-nate, decorative painting allowed, and minimal embellish-ments al-lowed.

M12 and N12: Chiseled, chip carved, and gouged gourds. One or more of these techniques may be combined to cre-ate a de-sign without cutting through the gourd. Stains al-lowed, no other techniques or rim treatment allowed.

M13 and N13: Fretwork or Cut Gourd using any tool that cuts completely through the gourd to complete a design or pattern. Stains allowed, light rim treatment allowed but no other technique. Does not include penetration used for coiling.

COLORED GOURD CLASS – whole or opened

GM14 and M14: Painted or Stained Gourd any medium to include oil, acrylic, water color, ink, colored pencil, stains, dyes, glazes, waxes used to complete a picture, design or pattern, other techniques and embellishments allowed.

N14 (Novice only): Painted Gourd, any medium to include oil, acrylic, water color, ink, or colored pencil to complete a picture, design or pattern, minimal use of other techniques and embellishments.

GM15. M15. N15: Textured Gourd, any medium that creates a pronounced raised surface to create a design or pattern on the surface of the gourd, any medium allowed, minimal ornamentation.

N16 (Novice only): Stained Gourd, colored with stains, dyes, glazes, waxes, water color pencils, etc. that do not apply to an-other category, more than one medium al-lowed.

GM17. M17. N17: Inlaid Gourd featuring any inlay material, minimal use of other techniques or embellishments al-lowed.

WOVEN GOURD CLASS

A gourd must dominate as part of the container.

GM18. M18. N18: Woven gourd bowl or basket with natural plant/animal weaving material (pine needles, vines, natu-ral color leather, feathers, etc.) and/or man-made materials (dyed lacing, wire, fabric, etc). Light ornamentation per-mitted.

WEARABLE CLASS

Any technique(s) permitted – gourds must dominate

GM19. M18. N18. Any wearable gourd, mask, jewelry, belt, purse or hat

BIRDHOUSE/BIRD FEEDERS CLASS

GM20. M20. N20: Birdhouse or Bird Feeder. Gourd and entrance holes should be appropriate sizes, with drainage and hanging holes. Any technique(s)

ETHNIC or AMERICANA CLASS

GM21 (Grand Master Only): Native American or Ethnic themed gourd. Any techniques

M21. And N21: Native American themed gourd. Any gourd with Native American motif Any techniques

M22 and N22: Ethnic themed gourd other than Native Amer-ican. (African, Chinese, etc.) Any techniques

GM23.M23. N23: Americana or patriotic gourd theme. Any techniques or embellishment

FLORAL CLASS

Unless otherwise specified, non-gourd material may be used, but gourds must dominate. All materials must be nat-ural. No plastic or synthetic fabric

GM24. M24. N24: Arrangement of dried or fresh flowers or plant material in a gourd container undecorated or suitably decorated.

GM25. M25. N25: Gourd container decorated with a FLO-RAL theme. Any technique(s). No arrangement required.

SCULPTURE CLASS

GM26. M26. N26: Animal(s), real or mystic, including mam-mals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, dragons, fair-ies, uni-corns, etc. or other earth creatures made of gourd or gourd pieces. Any technique(s).

GM27. M 27. N27: Gourd Sculpture, one or more gourds, any subject including mobiles. May use clay and/or epoxy. Any technique allowed. Must be at least 70% gourd.

HOLIDAY GOURD CRAFT CLASS

Any technique(s) and a reasonable amount of decora-tive materials are permitted.

GM28. M27. N27: Gourd Ornament. Any holiday or sea-son. Any technique(s).

GM29. M29. N29: Christmas theme only. Any technique(s). Whole or cut gourd.

GM30. M30. N30: Holiday theme other than Christmas. Any technique(s). Whole or cut gourd.

2016 Competition Categories

GENERAL GOURD CLASSES

GM31. M31. N31: Gourd toys. Doll, functional toy, or toy

set fashioned from gourds or gourd parts.

GM32.M32. N32: Decorated gourd bowl or basket. Any

tech-nique(s).

N33. (Novice Only) Decorated dipper gourds. Any tech-

nique(s). Whole or cut gourd.

GM34.M34. N34: Jug, canteen, pitcher, or other vessel de-

signed to hold water. Must be functional. Any technique(s).

GM35.M35. N 35: Lamps and Luminaries. Lamps in any

style, Gourds must dominate, Must be functional, with or

with-out electricity. (Candleholders, lanterns, lamps etc).

GM36.M36. N36: Beaded Gourd; Whole or cut gourd. Any

type of bead is acceptable.

GM37.M37. N37: Gourd Boxes. Any technique(s); Hinged

or unhinged lids optional

GM38.M38. N38: Multi-technique multi-media gourd.

Com-bination of multiple techniques.

GM39.M39. N39: I Did It My Way; Any gourd craft entry

that does not fit in another category, Must be made of a

gourd or gourd part.

GM40.M40. N40: Theme category for the 2013 show –Lost

in Gourds - Any technique.

GM41.M41. N41: Miniature gourd creations, Must be less

than 6 inches in diameter, length, and height, Any tech-

niques.

GM42.M42. N42: Wall art, including masks, Gourds or

gourd pieces to create art piece suitable for hanging on the

wall.

GM43.M43.N43: Interior Structure. The interior of gourd

decorated in some theme or fashion (Mouse house, doll

house, nature scene). Exterior of gourd must be decorated

to compli-ment interior. The interior will make up 75% of

content to be judged. Exterior will make up 25%.

[NEW Category] Group Project

GP60: A gourd entry created by 2 or more artists. Novice,

master, and Grand Master artists may combine their skills

in this category using any techniques or subject.

CRAFTED GOURDS YOUTHS ONLY

Awards will be given to all youth who have entered. Any

technique(s)

It is the responsibility of the parent or grandparent to se-

lect the correct age division.

6. Best youth craft (Age 1 to 5).

7. Best youth craft (Age 6 to 12).

8. Best youth craft (Age 13 to 18).

NON-CRAFTED GOURDS CATEGORIES

Gourds in grower categories must have been grown by the

exhibitor (adult or youth) and in good condition. Gourds

must have stems, be mature, and be clean. Non-crafted

gourds must not be cut. No finish of any kind is permitted.

One year previ-ous or current season gourds are permitted

in the non-craft categories.

1. Greatest circumference – must be uncut.

2. Longest dipper-type (stem to blossom) - Gourds with a

long handle and distinct bulb.

3. Smallest gourd (hard shell or ornamental) in overall size.

4. Most unusual gourd, naturally.

5. The Jim Story Memorial Award: $25.00 prize. The win-

ner of this competition will be eligible for the National Jim

Story Award with a first prize award of $500.00.

Everyone is a Winner

when you share your artwork

Awards

1st, 2nd, & 3rd place

Best of Novice, Best of Masters, Best of Grand

Masters,Best of Show, Best New Artist, Presi-

dent’s Award

People’s Choice Novice People's Choice Master

People's Choice Grand Master, Most Humorous

Competition Rules 2016

GOURD GROWERS (NON-CRAFT) RULES

1. All raw gourds must be whole, uncut gourds.

2. Gourds in growth categories must have been grown

by the exhibitor and in good condition.

3. Non-craft gourds must have stems, be mature, and

be clean. No finish of any kind is permitted.

4. Gourds in the grower’s competition must from this

year or last year’s crop.

Previous Georgia competition award winners may not

be entered.

GOURD ART& CRAFT RULES

5. All entries must be hand made by the Artist.

6. Only one entry per Artist per category, but there is

no limit on the number of categories that can be en-

tered within that division.

7. ALL ENTRIES must remain in competition until

the end of the show on Sunday. Failure to do so can

result in not being allowed to enter future competi-

tions.

8. All entrants must allow photography of their work

under the “fair use” doctrine. No copy or photograph

of the work may be sold for profit without the consent

of the artist.

9. Entrants must be a member of the American Gourd

Society or any state gourd society. If you are not a

member and would like to enter a piece in competi-

tion, you must first join the Georgia Gourd Society

and/or the American Gourd Society at the main infor-

mation desk. Youth categories are exempt from this

rule.

10. The artist’s name should be printed on the inside

of the tag and hidden from view by folding and sta-

pling the tag (printable tags and instructions are

available on the Georgia Gourd Society website.)

11. All entry tags must be completed and attached to

the gourd entry by 6:00 pm, Friday, of the show

12. Gourds that have won a first place award in a pre-

vious Georgia Gourd Society Show are not eligible for

the current year’s competition

13. The competition area is closed to everyone except

the judging staff during the judging process. Please be

patient, the judging process may take a little time but

we want to look carefully at each entry. Ribbons will

be awarded at this time.

The following section clarifies the quality

standards for gourd preparation and presen-

tation. Gourds not meeting these standards

will likely receive a lower score. If you have an

irregular technique or gourd, please leave a

note for the judges using a 3x5 note card.

14. All open (cut) gourds (except birdhouses) must be

cleaned to remove surface dirt, seeds, and all white

seed membrane and finished, inside and out, for

show quality. Stems are not mandatory, but must be

cleaned if left on gourd. Gourd birdhouse outside sur-

faces and stems must be cleaned but minimal interi-

or membrane can be left for nesting material.

15. Gourd stems left on the gourd must be cleaned

and finished to compliment the design.

16. Gourd quality will be a factor in judging ALL cate-

gories. A poor quality gourd can result in a lower

score in accordance with AGS rules. A 3x5 explana-

tion card may be placed with a gourd where a major

blemish or flaw is incorporated in the design or

presentation of the gourd. The judges will determine

gourd quality.

17. Leveling the bottom of a gourd by sanding is al-

lowed and will not be considered poor quality or a

detriment to the surface technique of the competition

category

18. The inside surface of cut gourds and covered con-

tainers may be painted, stained, decoupage, coated,

or otherwise finished. The inside finish does not af-

fect the entry category which is based on the exterior

surface treatment of the gourd entry.

19. Translucent and clear protective finishes are al-

lowed on all entries except non-craft gourds. Translu-

cent finishes may be colored unless specifically de-

nied, but must be sheer enough to see the natural

characteristics and markings of the gourd through

them. Examples: wax, ink, colored shoe polish, dye.

20. Gourd stands may be used (revolving and station-

ary) but are not mandatory. The stand should be

complementary to the gourd art, of stable construc-

tion, and must not interfere with the viewing of other

entries. Electrical outlets are not available revolving

stands. If you wish to use a revolving stand it should

be battery operated.

21. There is no requirement that the gourd art or craft

be presented in an upright position, but the gourd

must be stable at rest so that it does not roll or fall

from an exhibition table.

Competition Rules 2016

22. A 3x5 card

and/or photo-

graphs may ac-

company any

entry indicating

techniques or

products used on

the entry. The

card may be at-

tached to the en-

try tag string or

placed with the

entry before the

judging. No

business cards

are allowed on entries until judging is com-

pleted, but they may be placed with exhibits

after judging is finished. Sales information

may be placed by the entries AFTER the rib-

bons are awarded.

Art and Craft entries will be judged according

to the AGS Judging Option B (link to AGS

Judging Handbook: http://

www.americangourdsociety.org/judging.html

23. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three

(3) entries in each category at the sole discre-

tion of the judges. A sole entrant in a category

does not guarantee a first place ribbon. Com-

petition criteria must be met to earn a ribbon

of any color. A merit ribbon may be awarded

at the discretion of the judges. Awarded rib-

bons MUST remain in place until the end of

the show on Sunday.

24. Decisions of the Judges are final. In the

event of an error, no award will be removed

but a duplicate award will be given.

25. The Georgia Gourd Society and facility are

not responsible for damage to or theft of en-

tries.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE

ARTIST TO ENTER THEIR PIECE IN

THE CORRECT CATEGORY.

Be certain that you have read the specific cri-

teria outline for the category and make your

decision accordingly. If you have ques-tions

about the proper category placement, see one

of the volunteers in the competition check-in

area to explain the art/craft category or divi-

sion. They can provide advice, but you must

make the final determination for placement of

your piece. Leave your entry with the volun-

teer who will place them in the display area

for you. Pieces entered in the wrong categories

cannot be judged or moved unless you agree

to allow it to be moved on the entry tag.

AGS Judging Option B

Gourd Craft Judging Criteria Option B

Judges will discuss the gourds among them-

selves, then individually choose the rank order

of the entries and give their scores to the

clerk.

50% Originality: (Originality is defined as)

Overall design/theme, craftsmanship, acces-

sories, artistic quality

50% Workmanship: (Workmanship is de-

fined as) Neatness and quality, color/finish,

balance/scale, overall appearance

If the quality of the gourd used is poor, judges will

reduce their rank-order decision for that gourd as

they deem appropriate.

Georgia Rules take precedent over AGS

rules—If the poor quality is incorporated into the

design, it should be explained by the artist on a

3X5 card and there will be NO deduction.

Support These GourdFest Vendors

Food Vendor

Bob and Sherry Briscoe

Finished gourd art, handpainted

gourd-themed t-shirts & totes,

gourd-themed wind chimes; sup-

plies i.e. paint, stains, brushes, etc.

E-mail:

giraffeslaff@bellsouth.net

2016 Classes

http://www.georgiagourdsociety.com/

Corrected_Classes_for_2016_GGS.pdf

Gourd Festival 2016 Chairman and Contacts

To sustain our society’s commitment to bring gourd art, crafts, and husbandry to the public, we

need everyone’s participation. Take a class. Bring an entry. Set up tables. Watch for theft at the

show. Every small or large contribution is welcomed.

Contact any of those listed below to volunteer

Troy Tatum Show Chair— troytatum@bellsouth.net

Tina Handrop Classes— tshandrop@comcast.net

Reggie Eakin Competition: southern-

gourds@gmail.com

Dennis McDonald - drmcdonald758@gmail.com

Kathy Bird — Treasurer

Jane Ballou—Membership—jyb50@yahoo.com

Anne Touchton—Welcome 478-262-1045

Ellen Tatum—Dinner: ewtatum@bellsouth.net

Competition Judges & Clerks: Reggie Eakin, Troy Ta-

tum, Sandy Jordan, Lawrence Wood, Terry Humphries

(SC), Linda Kincaid (SC), Shari Zabroski (FL), Karen Malo-

ney, Diane Ricker, Beth Westberry, Jane Ballou, Karin An-

derson, Janet Eakin,

(Some of these individuals will be working the check

in table on Friday)

Other Business Preliminary Nomination Report for 2016 Nomination

Committee Chair—Tina Handrop

The Election Term for the following positions on the GGS board, ends this year and are open for

nominations for the two year term of January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018

Vice President: Charlotte Durrence –(Term ends 2016) does not desire re-election at this time

Proposed Nomination –Jane Ballou

Membership Chair: Jane Ballou (Term ends 2016) does not desire re -election at this time

Proposed Nomination—Janet Eakin

Editor: Reggie Eakin (Term ends 2016) does not desire re -election to this position

Proposed Nomination-“open”

Directors: (Term ends 2016) Troy Tatum (Term ends 2016) Proposed Nomination is Beth Westberry

Dennis McDonald Proposed Nomination for Incumbent –Dennis McDonald

Sandra Hutchens Proposed Nomination for Incumbent –Sandra Hutchins

Additional nominations are being accepted for all positions,

please email to georgiagourdsociety@gmail.com with subject line as “nomination”

Editor Comment: Health concerns are causing m e to w ithdraw as editor . I ’ll

keep writing, but I’d like to be able to help whoever takes over the magazine. Reggie