Featured Artist Summer 2023

Featured Artists East Bay Gourd Patch

Pictured - Sarah Phelan and Zan Taylor

Today's playdate represents the fifth year the East Bay Gourd Patch has been represented at Autumn Lights. So, while the mood is upbeat and joyful, there's also a sense of urgency as members aim to complete their best luminary possible. The gourd's size, shape, and design are considerations: luminaries work well when patterned with designs such as flowers and stars that are easily recognizable at night. The gourds also need to be strong; last year, 3,000 ticket holders visited the show each night, and though no one roughed up the luminaries, many folks could not help reaching out and touching them. And suddenly, it will be Fall 2023, and the East Bay Gourd Patch will be at it again, turning gourds into enchanting luminaries for a good cause and having fun. It's enough to make anyone say, Good Gourd! The following East Bay Gourd Patch artists contributed to the 2022 Autumn Lights Festival: Sarah Phelan Abusaba, Michele Brown, Judie Burge, Cookie Cala, Jodi Dingivan, Pam Hammermann, Chris Johnson, Khati Pocha, Zan Turner, and Jim Widess.