The fourth annual Georgia Gourd and Basket Show will be held this weekend, July 14-16, at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, 915 Pine Rd., in Newnan.

The show includes workshops, competition, raw gourds, gourd supplies, free demonstrations and sales of crafted and fine art gourds. “Gourd, Ya On My Mind” is this year’s theme. The show is open to the public Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those interested in participating, 15 competition categories include youth crafted gourds, musical instruments, pyrography (woodburning), carved or painted gourds, wearable gourds (hats, masks, etc.), toys made of gourds, holiday ornaments, woven/basketry and more. For complete information, check the Georgia Gourd Society Web site, www.GeorgiaGourdSociety.com.

Classes will be held and everyone is invited to participate, gourders or beginners. Class slots are “first come, first served” and no refunds will be issued unless the class is cancelled by the instructor. The list of classes, times, dates and a registration form can be found on the Web site. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 15 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 16.

A sampling of the unique offerings you can make with gourds include using photo transfer, watercolor, decoupage, faux basketry, beads, and a silk dye technique. Go home with a mini chiminea, birdhouse, Christmas ornament, pioneer canteen, or jeweled box. If you have any general questions, contact the class coordinator, Charlotte Durrence, at gourds1@aol.com or call 912-754-9479.

Additionally, an auction will be held at the show as a fund raiser for the Georgia Gourd Society. Donations of raw gourds or finished artwork will be accepted by contacting Patti Chadd at 706-599-5172 or pattichadd@yahoo.com.

The registration form for the classes and participation for the competition is on the Web site. Download it, fill out, and mail with checks to the address provided. Any questions may be directed to the show’s co-chairs, Pat Fitzgerald, 706-654-2711 or etrimmings@alltel.net, or Hudi Sandgren, 770-513-8823 or hudijay@netzero.net. Sandgren is the president of the Georgia Gourd Society and a gourd artist with several works in the Smithsonian.

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