Featured Artist Spring 2025

Kennie Winter - Patch affiliations: Calabash Club of Silicon Valley and Lake County Gourd Patch

Patch affiliations: Calabash Club of Silicon Valley and Lake County Gourd Patch

Kennie found gourds almost 25 years ago. She had been into various crafts and watercolor painting for years. While in KY she found a whole bin of raw gourds and brought home a huge box, planning to perhaps paint Santas. A neighbor found Ginger Summit’s book on gourds and gave it to her. That was IT. Forget the Santas. She discovered Ginger lived less than 2 miles away from her and that there was a local Gourd Club. Next the Club was having Kathy Riker come for a weekend of classes and requested a host. Kennie volunteered and by the end of the weekend had a whole new craft to pursue. The love of gourds has never waned.

She has taken many classes and learned various techniques. A couple of favorites are wood burning and beading. She loves trying new things. She has sold at Gourd and Craft Shows for many years and loves sharing her passion with others. Now another joy has surfaced. She loves to teach classes and share her love of the craft! Here are a few photos of some of her favorites.

Submitted by Sue Gouig - “Kennie is a wonderful teacher; explains everything really well and is so generous with her supplies. She loves getting together with other gourd artists and sharing ideas. Her watercolors are wonderful also. Keep gourding Kennie and coming up with new ideas.”