The 14th Annual Gourd Artists’ Gathering in Cherokee

(Carved gourds by Suzie Nonn)

For the last fourteen years, artists and gourd enthusiasts have traveled to Cherokee for the annual Cherokee Gourd Artists' Gathering, happening this year June 2 - 4th at the Cherokee Indian Fair. Attendees come from all over the United States and Canada for this popular event featuring an array of gourd art classes and workshops that sell out quickly.

Techniques explored range from beginner to advanced levels and include coloring, painting, wood burning or pyrography, relief carving, weaving, and chip carving to create one-of-a-kind functional and decorative gourd art.  

Workshop leaders include notable gourd artists including event co-organizer Suzie Nonn, Sherry Briscoe, Susan Zanella, and Troy Tatum, among others.​

(Painted gourds with netting by Sherry Briscoe)

The event is open to the public with opportunities to meet the artists and see their amazing work, as well as shop and bid on finished gourds in a live auction. The event will also feature raffles, gourd bingo, group meetups, and more.

Online registration has ended, but there are still opportunities to join open classes at walk-in registration on the day of the event. For a full list of classes, activities, and vendors, visit www.gourdgathering.org.

                                                    (Pyrography gourd by Susan Zanella)