Learn about creating gourd art
The Elgin Public Museum of Natural History and Anthropology is hosting the traveling exhibit, "Gourds: The Creations and Collections of Virginia Umberger."
Wes and Jill Nelson of Two Feathers Gourds and Honey will talk about transforming ordinary gourds into works of art at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9. The fee is $5 for the public and $3 for museum members. Contact the museum to reserve your seat at (847) 741-6655 or epm@cityofelgin.org.
The couples' gourd art draws inspiration from nature, Native American art and Southwestern motifs. They create stunning likeness of animals as well as beautiful abstract designs and their collection includes birdfeeders and birdhouses. Learn how to harvest your own gourds, discover ways to turn them into pieces of artwork. The Nelsons' gourds will be available for sale before and after the program, along with their honey and beeswax products.
While at the program, stop by the temporary exhibit. See all types of gourds large and small, some decorated and others carved into creative pieces. This exhibit will be at the museum through the end of May.
The 104-year-old Umberger has lived in Elgin for the past 64 years. When she and her late husband started growing gourds, it didn't take long before the couple was totally immersed in the history, art and culture of Lagenaria siceraria, also known as gourds.
For Virginia, what started out as a fascination turned into a passion as she discovered the hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties of shapes, sizes and colors the gourd had to offer. Vacations turned into expeditions focused on gourds. And their collection grew. They weren't just collectors, they were also artists. Her creations and collections have been part of floral shows throughout the Midwest for years and many looked to her as an authority on the subject of gourds.
The Elgin Public Museum is located in Lords Park at 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. For information, contact the museum at (847) 741-5566 or epm@cityofelgin.org. Visit www.elginpublicmuseum.org.