2022 GOURDFEST COMPETION INFORMATION

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 be 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. Artist may enter both the Technique Division under the appropriate skillset classification and the Open Theme Divisions. 

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 competitions. Gourds may be sold during the show, but must remain in competition until the end of the show.

8. By signing the entry form, the artist is agreeing to allow photography of their work under the “fair use” doctrine. 

9. A pre-registration desk will be available to assign artist numbers, supply blank registration forms and tags, and answer questions prior to entering the registration area.

10. It is strongly recommended that all entry forms and entry tags be completed prior to entering the registration area as there will be a $2 charge per gourd entry for assistance at registration. Entry tags must be affixed to each gourd entry and are available on the website (www.georgiagourdsociety.com) or at the pre-registration desk at the show. The artist’s name, artist number and category number should be printed on the back side of the entry tag and hidden from view by folding the tag in half and attached to the gourd with string and paper clips. After judging the tags will be turned over for public viewing.

11. All completed registration forms and entry tags must be presented at the registration desk by 5:00 pm, Thursday, of the show (October 20, 2022).

12. All entry forms must be signed by the artist. If the artist is not present to present the artwork into competition, signature must be notarized. 

13. Entrants must be a member of the Georgia Gourd Society. If you are not a member and would like to enter a piece in competition, you must first join the Georgia Gourd Society or pay a $5.00 entry fee per gourd entry. Youth categories are exempt from this rule. 

14. Gourds that have won a first place award in a previous Georgia Gourd Society Show are not eligible for the current year’s competition 

15. The competition area is closed to all non-competition staff until the show opens on Friday morning. 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 presentation. 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. 

16. All open (cut) gourds (except birdhouses) must be cleaned to remove surface dirt, seeds, and all white seed membrane, inside and out, for show quality. Gourd birdhouse outside surfaces and stems must be cleaned but minimal interior membrane can be left for nesting material. 

17.  Stems are not mandatory but must be cleaned and finished to compliment the design if left on.

18. Gourd quality will be a factor in judging ALL categories. A poor quality gourd can result in a lower score in accordance with AGS rules. A 3x5 explanation 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.

19. Leveling the bottom of a gourd by sanding is allowed and will not be considered poor quality or a detriment to the surface technique of the competition category Leveling the bottom of a gourd by sanding is allowed and will not be considered poor quality or a detriment to the surface technique of the competition category.

20. The inside surface of cut gourds and covered containers may be painted, stained, decoupage, coated, or otherwise finished. The inside finish does not affect the entry category which is based on the exterior surface treatment of the gourd entry other than the interior must be clean.

21. Translucent and clear protective finishes are allowed on all entries except non-craft gourds. Translucent finishes may be colored unless specifically denied, but must be sheer enough to see the natural characteristics and markings of the gourd through them. Examples: wax, ink, colored shoe polish, dye.

22. Gourd stands may be used (revolving and stationary) but are not mandatory. The stand should be complementary to the gourd art, of stable construction, and must not interfere with the viewing of other entries. Electrical outlets are not available for revolving stands. If you wish to use a revolving stand it should be battery operated. 

23. 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. 

24. A 3x5 card and/or photographs may accompany any entry indicating techniques or products used on the entry. The card may be attached to the entry tag string or placed with the entry before the judging. No business cards are allowed on entries until judging is completed, but they may be placed with exhibits after judging is finished. Sales information may be placed by the entries AFTER the ribbons are awarded. 

Art and Craft entries will be judged according to the new AGS Judging criteria (link to AGS Judging Handbook: http://www.americangourdsociety.org/judging.html) 

25. Ribbons may be awarded to the top three (3) entries in each category at the sole discretion of the judges. A sole entrant in a category does not guarantee a first place ribbon. Competition criteria must be met to earn a ribbon of any color. A merit ribbon may also be awarded at the discretion of the judges. Awarded ribbons MUST remain in place until the end of the show on Sunday. 

26. Decisions of the Judges are final. In the event of an error, no award will be removed but a duplicate award will be given. 

27. The Georgia Gourd Society and/or the Show facility are not responsible for damage to or theft of entries. 

28. No fractal burning or laser cut entries are allowed.

ENTRY FEES

Membership in the Georgia Gourd Society is not required, but is encouraged.

Completion of the entry form is strongly advised for all entrants prior to entering the registration area as there will be a $2 charge for each competition gourd entry requiring assistance at registration.

Entry-Fees are:
All Youth divisions are free

Georgia Gourd Society Members – Free if entry form completed prior to entering the registration area; $2 per gourd entry requiring assistance at the registration desk.

Non-Georgia Gourd Society Members - $5 per gourd entry plus the $2 per gourd entry fee will apply if registration form is incomplete.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ARTIST TO ENTER THEIR PIECE IN THE CORRECT CATEGORY. 

Be certain that you have read the specific criteria outline for the category and make your decision accordingly. If you have questions about the proper category placement, contact Karin Anderson at praisethegourd@windstream.netor see one of the volunteers in the pre-registration desk to explain the art/craft category or division. They can provide advice, but you must make the final determination for placement of your piece. Leave your entry with the volunteer who will place them in the display area for you. Only competition staff will be allowed in the competition area until the show opens to the public on Friday morning. Pieces entered in the wrong categories cannot be judged or moved unless you agree to allow it to be moved on the entry tag.

    NON-CRAFTED GOURDS 

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 previous or current season gourds are permitted in the non-craft categories. Entrants MUST be a GGS or a AGS member in good standing.  

NC1: Greatest circumference – must be uncut.

NC2: Longest dipper-type (stem to blossom) - Gourds with a long handle and distinct bulb. 

NC3: Smallest gourd (hard shell or ornamental) in overall size.

NC4: Most unusual gourd, naturally.

NC5: The Jim Story Memorial Award: $25.00 prize. The winner of this competition will be eligible for the National Jim Story Award.

Note: NC prefix designate Non-Crafted Division

YOUTHS CRAFTED GOURDS Awards will be given to all youth who have entered. Any technique(s) It is the responsibility of the parent or grandparent to select the correct age division.

Y6: Best youth craft (Age 1 to 5).

Y7: Best youth craft (Age 6 to 12).

Y8: Best youth craft (Age 13 to 18).

Note: Y prefix designate the Youth Division

ADULT CRAFTED GOURDS Adult crafted gourds will be divided into four divisions, Technique Division (Categories 9-20), Open Themed Division (Categories 21-32), Collaborative Project Division (Categories 33), and Grand Master Display Division - Display Only (Categories 34). The Technique Division will be subdivided into three skillset classifications, Novice, Intermediate, and Master. The Open Division will be open to all three skillset classifications competing together. The Group Division will be available to any two individual artist or group of artist. The Grand Master Division is for the most experienced gourd artists and professional artists who have won multiple major awards and is on a volunteer basis. The art work will be displayed only and will not be judged or considered for major awards.  The artists who volunteer for the Grand Master Division will not be eligible for any other division.    Categories with the N prefix designates the Novice Skillset classification; the I prefix designates the Intermediate Skillset classification; and the M prefix designates the Master Skillset classification. (See the Competition Rules and Division for more details) First place, second place, and third place awards can be given for entry categories 9 through 33 in entrant classifications.

TECHNIQUE DIVISION (Novice, Intermediate and Master Classifications)

N9, I9, M9: PYROGRAPHY (WOODBURNING) whole or cut gourd. Pyrography created design with or without color. Pyrography must predominate. Rim treatments permitted.

N10, I10, M10: COLORED – whole or opened gourd. 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. Color must predominate, other techniques and embellishments allowed.  

N11, I11, M11: CARVING. Chipped, chiseled, gouged, or power carving. One or more of these techniques may be combined to create a design to create dimension or texture. Carving does not penetrate through the gourd. Coloring and rim treatments permitted, but carving must predominate. 

N12, I12, M12: CUT, FILIGREE OR FRET-WORK. Majority of the design elements must cut entirely through the gourd. Color may be added

N13, I13, M13: TEXTURED – whole or open 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 allowed.

N14, I14, M14: SCULPTURED.  One or more gourds or pieces may be combined. May use clay and/or epoxy or other sculpting materials. Other technique allowed. Must be at least 70% gourd.

N15, I15, M15: WEAVING - A gourd must dominate (50% or more). Weaving patterns may include twilling and other advanced techniques. May be woven with natural or man made weaving materials. Color and/or light ornamentation permitted. Tenerife included.

N16, I16, M16: BEADED - whole or cut gourd. Any type of bead is acceptable. Other technique allowed but beading must dominate.

N17, I17, M17: COILED (Open, Closed, Floating).  Color and embellishments permitted to complement coiling design.

N18, I18, M18: EMBELLISHED Gourd Container. Any technique.

N19, I19, M19: Multi Techniques. Combination of at least three techniques. Must list techniques.

N20, I20, M20: My Way. Any gourd entry that does not fit in another category, Must be made of a gourd or gourd part. Any technique.

OPEN THEMED DIVISION 

(Open to all Novice, Intermediate and Master artists together)

O21: MUSICAL THEME. Gourd musical instrument, functional. Includes drums, rattles, shekeres, etc. Any techniques.

O22: WHIMSICAL THEME. Birdhouse or Feeder. Birdhouse or Bird Feeder. Gourd and entrance holes should be appropriate sizes, with drainage and hanging holes. Any technique.

O23: WEARABLE THEME. Any wearable gourd, mask, jewelry, belt, hat, purse or other wearable themed gourd. Gourd must predominate. Any technique.

O24: FLORAL THEME. Floral arrangement or gourd flowers. Floral arrangement of dried, fresh or gourd flowers in a gourd container decorated with a floral theme or arrangement of flowers made from gourds or gourd pieces or plant material in a gourd container. Gourds must predominate. Other techniques permitted.

O25: CHRISTMAS THEME. Christmas theme only. Any technique(s). Whole or cut gourd. 

O26: HOLIDAY THEME. Holiday theme other than Christmas. Any technique. Whole or cut gourd.

O27: ORNAMENT. Gourd Ornament. Any holiday or season. Any technique.

O28: ETHNIC THEME. Any ethnical motif theme gourd (Native American, African, Oriental, etc.) Any technique.

O29: ANIMAL THEME. Any gourd decorated with an animal motif or shaped like an animal. Any technique.

O30: LAMPS AND LUMINARIES. Lamps in any style, Gourds must dominate, Must be functional, with or without electricity. (Candleholders, lanterns, lamps etc). No electricity provided.

O31: MINIATURE GOURD CREATIONS. Must be less than 3 inches in diameter, length, and height, Any technique.

O32: SHOW THEME. Any technique.  

O32A: 2022 theme: Art Deco: The Roaring Twenties  

O32B: 2021 theme: Gourd on the Go

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT DIVISION CP33: COLLABORATIVE PROJECT DIVISION. A gourd entry created by 2 or more artists. Any skillset classifications of artists may combine their skills in this category using any techniques or subject.

GRAND MASTER DISPLAY DIVISION GM34: GRAND MASTER DISPLAY DIVISION. For Artist who have reached a professional level. Volunteer/Display Only.  Multiple entries may be entered for display only