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.

2009 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.

• 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 22. Personal deliveries may be delivered ONLY on Thursday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mail to
CGS c/o Welburn Gourd Farm,
40635 De Luz Murrieta Road
Fallbrook, CA 92028.

LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE JUDGED!

Judging will be on Thursday and Friday, June 25 and 26.

All participants agree to allow photographs to be taken of displayed items. .

Pick-up will be Sunday, June 28 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.

There are six divisions:

1. The Novice division is for members who have not previously won a ribbon in the CGS competition.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. The Children Division—12 years old and Under
5. The Youth Division - ages 13-17
6. The Jim Story Award 2009 Division - This division is open to gourd growers at all levels. This division has been named in memory and honor of Jim Story, master gourd manipulator. The winner of this division will be eligible to compete for the American Gourd Society Jim Story Award which includes a monetary prize.

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 25, 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.

For more information contact

Jill Walker
email at PrezWalker@hotmail.com
phone (831) 728-4427