Brevard Gourd Society Artists will exhibit works by members of their Patch at the Art and Antique Studio from Feb. 3 through Feb. 29. Gourds are a multi-faceted medium for artists allowing them to paint, carve, weave and wood burn on the surface. This show will showcase all of these techniques and more.

The Brevard Chapter was formed 13 years ago by A.B. Amis, a gourd grower and master gourd carver from Grant.  The group has grown to over 25 members who share their many talents at monthly meetings. Three members of the Gallery are also members of this group, Cynthia Perry, Jeanette Keen and Therese Ferguson.  Other long time members include Clarice Weathers, Mona Webb, Gail Gowdy, Fonda Haddad and our state
show chair person Rusti Nichols.  Watercolor artist Therese Ferguson joind the Brevard Gourd Society and the Fla. Gourd Society in their early days and has served as exhibit chairperson at the FGS Festival, Certified AGS Judge and program chair of the local Patch. “I picked up some gourds on vacation one year, brought them home and started painting birdhouses.” said Ferguson. “From that first gourd on, I have been learning so many different techniques to create one of a kind gourd bowls, masks, musical instruments, jewelry and purses, there’s just no end to thecreativity.”

There are more than 1,000 species of gourds which are in the same family as the pumpkin, squash and cucumber. It grows on a vine and is often grown on a trellis or allowed to vine on the ground. At the time of harvest, the gourd is composed of 90 percent water. During the curing time which can take from 6 weeks to 1 year, the water evaporates leaving a moldy outside surface. The waxy shell is then cleaned with a soapy bleach washing. The gourds can be decorated whole or cut as needed.
 
The Brevard Group meets at the Eau Gallie Library on the first Saturday of every month sharing ideas andholding mini workshops. They are a sub-chapter of the Florida Gourd Society which will hold its 14th AnnualState Gourd Festival in Melbourne this year at the Azan Shrine Temple in Eau Gallie. The show dates are February 24-26. The festival brings in gourd growers from all over the southeast, vendors from around the country and a huge exhibition area for gourd competition. Classes are offered Friday through Sunday.