2026 Gourd and Fine Arts Festival

Presented by:

Folsom Gourd Artists

Amador Gourd Artists

Friday, September 25^th 10:00 – 4:00
(pre-registered classes only)

Saturday, September 26^th 10:00 – 5:00
Sunday, September 27^th 10:00 – 4:00

The 2026 Gourd and Fine Arts Festival will be held at American Legion Post #108

American Legion Post #108
11401 American Legion Drive
Jackson, CA

There will be the Northern California CGS Gourd Competition, 3 days of classes, gourd and fine arts vendors, a make-and-take, as well as demonstrations throughout the weekend, and more!

Add the festival to your calendar

Northern California Gourd Competition

During the festival, the California Gourd Society will be hosting their Northern California CGS Gourd Competition, with the prizes awarded to the best gourds in these categories.

Please note: the categories for Novice and Intermediate Division are “Technique-Based”, and the categories for the Advanced and Masters Division are “Theme-Based”. See application for all details.

Novice and Intermediate:

Pyrography
Painted/Coloring Techniques
Carving/Fretwork/Filigree
Weaving/Coiled
Multi-media

Advanced and Masters:

Gourds in Motion
Wine and Vines
Creative Creatures
Gold Country History
Multi-media

2026 Special Category: Happy 250^th Birthday to the USA

Each division may participate in this special category to celebrate our Country’s 250th birthday. Any medium may be used. Each division will be judged on their creativity on this theme and will receive a ribbon. See application for more information.

Competition Rules and Application

Festival Activities

classes by 4 award-winning gourd artists
(pre-registration required)
Northern California CGS Gourd Competition
raffle prizes (plus a special raffle)
vendors
demonstrations
a make-and-take project

A large decorative gourd that has been carved and painted to look like leaves

This stunning gourd, made by artist Joyce Campbell, will be the prize for our special raffle.

Purchase a special raffle ticket

Featured Instructors

Jenn Norpchen

Three carved gourds resembling chicks sit displayed on a table

For Jenn Norpchen, art has always influenced her life. With a degree in Interior Design and a minor in fine arts, she used her background in ceramics and sculpture to meld
the two mediums. Her wild animal gourd art consists of a little of this, a little of
that…and whimsy. The whimsical characteristics of gourds fascinate and delight her. She is enchanted by the imperfect nature of gourds and the fact that no two are alike. The gourd is a magical canvas. Its shape and patterns guide the artist to what it will become because each piece is unique.

View Classes Taught by Jenn

Chris Crady

Three small decorated gourds sit on a table. One has a hummingbird in flight, one has a sunflower, and one has a scene with a lake in front of several mountains

Chris Crady is the current President of the Folsom Gourd Club and belongs to both the California Gourd Society and the American Gourd Society. She started in gourd art 20 years ago with just a few gourds, acrylic paint, and Sharpy markers. Then she bought a burner and a carver and has now made gourds that have even been winners at the State Fair. She loves making whimsical Giraffes too. She hopes to see you in one of her classes!

View Classes Taught by Chris

Joyce Campbell

Three carved gourds sit on a display together

Joyce Campbell has studied gourd art for over 35 years, including its rich history, uses, cultivation and decoration. She has grown them, sold in galleries and shops, joined competitions across the country and taught countless students the art form. There is always more to learn so she continues knowing that the humble gourd has made her a better artist.

View Classes Taught by Joyce

Heather Hopman

A carved gourd resembling a hummingbird sits displayed on a wood burl

Heather started working with gourds in 2005 with a $10 soldering iron. After attending a demonstration by David Snooks and selling a few gourds, she invested in a proper woodburner and started working in earnest as a break from her normal work in lampworking and blown glass. She has been drawing her entire life and found it easy to apply her drawing and painting techniques to gourds. She enjoys testing different novel mediums on gourds to achieve new looks and textures, often involving many sealed layers. Heather likes the challenge of gourds not being a consistent surface like a canvas, incorporating the curves and flaws of the surface into her work. After having some winning gourds in the local county fair, she started entering more gourd competitions, and in the CA State Fair Craft competition, she took the Best Gourd Award in 2022-2024.

Over the past few years, Heather has been teaching her techniques at gourd meetings and conferences, and found out she truly enjoys it and plans on expanding her teaching events in the future.

View Classes Taught by Heather

Vendors

Come see our Gourd and Fine Arts vendors, as well as a booth of undecorated gourds for purchase so you can create your own gourd art at home!

Location

The 2026 Gourd and Fine Arts Festival will be held at American Legion Post #108

11401 American Legion Drive
Jackson, CA

Nearby Amenities

In addition to the festival, Amador County has many restaurants, places to see, and things to do. Some common locations are listed below, but you may also want to contact the Amador County Chamber of Commerce. Keep in mind that this is a popular time of year, so book early!