2008 California Gourd Art Competition Rules and Categories
Downloadable pdf file of Rules, Categories and Entry Form or entry form only
The intent of the Gourd Art Competition is to encourage artists to meet the challenge of creating a gourd piece which fulfils the requirements of a show category.
Thousands of visitors attend the exhibit each year and enjoy the creativity and skill of CGS members. If requested, individual artist’s telephone number may be released by CGS so that visitors may contact the artist after the show. For more information contact Larry McClelland at macgourd@aol.com
2008 California Gourd Art Competition Rules:
Any individual may enter. All entrants must be current members of the California Gourd Society.
GOURDS MUST PREDOMINATE – artistry, originality and integrity of design are considered.
Participants may enter only one piece per category.
There are four divisions:
The Novice division is for members who have not previously won a ribbon in the CGS competition.
The Open division is for anyone who has won a ribbon in the novice division or who do not consider themselves a beginner. (honor system)
The Masters division – this division includes artists who have achieved a level of expertise as demonstrated by having won awards, had work published or sold work in galleries. Artists entering in this division my not submit entries in the Novice or Open divisions.
The Children and Youth division
The entry fee is $6.00 for each entry. Make checks payable to CGS, There is no charge for children and youth.
All work must be original and be done by the exhibiting artist and not previously entered in any CGS competition.
Advanced registration is NOT taken. When mailing entries, please include a completed form for each entry as well as the $6.00 entry fee and return postage if needed.
Deadline: Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 16. Personal deliveries may be delivered ONLY on Thursday, June 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so that the show may be set up prior to judging.
LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE JUDGED!
Judging will be on Thursday, June 19. All participants agree to allow photographs to be taken of displayed items.
Pick-up will be Sunday, June 22 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Entries may not be removed early. Mailed entries will be returned within two weeks after the show. Mailed entries must have return postage and self addressed shipping container.
All art work not picked up or arranged for pre-paid return will be donated to CGS.
The California Gourd Society will officiate in all judging.
While every effort is made to provide security for your items, the Welburn Gourd Farm and the California Gourd Society are not responsible for damaged or lost items.
CALL FOR JUDGES
Any CGS member who wishes to participate in the gourd art judging process is welcome to the training and judging session on Thursday, June 19. This is a fun experience that benefits the participating artists and thousands of visitors who view the exhibit each year.
For more information contact Larry McClelland at macgourd@aol.com
or Jill Walker at PrezWalker@hotmail.com
CATEGORIES: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ARTIST TO ENTER THEIR PIECE IN THE CORRECT CATEGORY. Judges will not move pieces from one category to another. Be certain that you have read the specific criteria outline for the category and make your decision accordingly, e.g. if the criteria specify carving with natural or clear finish only, DO NOT stain the piece or add other embellishments.. If you have questions about proper category placement, check with those taking in the pieces. Volunteers will be available on Thursday, June 19, to answer questions. They may provide advice, but you must make the final determination for placement of your piece. Pieces entered in incorrect categories cannot be judged.
26 CATEGORIES:
GOURDS MUST PREDOMINATE. INDICATE ON YOU ENTRY FORM WHICH DIVISION YOU ARE ENTERING AND SPECIFY THE CATEGORY BY NUMBER AND TITLE.
Category 1: Gourd with weaving of natural or man-made materials.
Category 2: Gourd with coiling of natural or man-made materials.
Category 3: This Years Art Challenge: “The Color Purple” Create a piece emphasizing use of the color purple. Any technique or medium allowed.
Category 4: Inspired by the Sea. Create a piece inspired by the sea. The piece may be painted, carved or sculptural. Any technique allowed.
Category 5: Painting. Whole or cut gourd. Painting must predominate. On entry form, please specify type of paint used.
Category 6: Staining. Whole or cut gourd. Woodburning allowed. Staining must be featured.
Category 7: Mixed media. Whole or cut gourd. On entry form please indicate materials used. Any technique allowed.
Category 8: Hand trained gourds. This category has been named the Jim Story category. This is a relatively new category with techniques and processes growing in popularity. Gourds may be grown in a mold or otherwise manipulated. Pieces should be left natural or finished with a clear finish only.
Category 9: Clay embellishment. May be air dried or polymer clay. Any finishing technique allowed.
Category 10: Pyrography: Whole or cut gourd. Wood burned only. Natural or clear finish only.
Category 11: Carving: Whole or cut gourd. Carving must be featured. Natural or clear finish only.
Category 12: Doll/Human figure: Single or multiple gourds may be used to create a single figure. Any technique allowed. Gourds must predominate.
Category 13: Flowers: Single or multiple flowers. Any technique allowed, including burning, carving, painted or sculptural pieces.
Category 14: Sculptural bird figure: Single or multiple gourds are allowed to create a single bird. Gourds must predominate. Any technique allowed.
Category 15: Sculptural reptiles or amphibians: Create a creature that slithers, crawls or hops. Created from one or more gourds, pieces or whole. Any technique allowed.
Category 16: Gourd seeds as embellishment: Create a piece featuring the use of gourd seeds as the primary design element. The piece may be utilitarian, a creature, whatever.
Category 17: Masks: Whole or cut gourds. Any technique allowed. Must include a sturdy hanger as these pieces will be hung.
Category 18: Jewelry. Whole or cut gourds and/or pieces. Any technique allowed. May use additional materials/embellishments.
Category 19: Beaded embellishment. Beading must predominate.
Category 20: Musical instruments. Instrument must be playable.
Category 21: Whimsy. Create a whimsical piece. It may be painted, carved, sculptural or assembled. Any technique allowed.
Category 22: Inspired by Native America, including North Coast Indian.
Category 23: Inspired by the Orient.
Category 24: Inspired by Africa, including Egypt.
Category 25: Inspired by Greco-Roman themes.
Category 26: Inspired by Latin America
MASTERS DIVISION
Category 1:
Vases, bowls or containers. Any technique allowed.Category 2: Sculptural gourds. May be single or multiple gourds. Any technique allowed.
CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER. No restrictions. (minimal adult assistance, please)
YOUTH 13 – 17. No restrictions. Work of entrant only. Children and youth are also eligible to enter any Novice category.
Category 1: Anything Goes. Create a piece, functional or decorative. May be single or multiple gourds. Any technique allowed. Use your imagination
Category 2: “Critters” Create a critter, real or imaginary. Single or multiple gourds allowed. Any technique allowed.