Featured Artist Spring 2026

Carol Des Voignes

Carol lives in Folsom and is a member of the Folsom Gourd Artists. She was raised in Tacoma, Washington and moved to California in 1960, where she worked at Lockheed. She is a volunteer at the Harris Center, where she ushers for plays, concerts, and lectures.  There is also art sales for members of the Center where she sells her gourds. She has traveled to other countries and has gourds from Africa, Peru, and Cuba.

Carol is a member of the Folsom Garden Club. She helps with the monthly raffle. Two members of Folsom Gourd Artists and Carol have given several presentations to other local garden clubs in the past. They discuss the history of gourds, how gourds are grown, and the preparation and decorating artists do with gourds.  

Carol began her artistry journey after she moved to Folsom. While visiting family in Washington, she took a class on Rose Mauling, a traditional Norwegian form of decorative painting. She liked it so much that she took classes as often as she could. She enjoys learning new techniques and continues to take classes as often as possible. She especially likes classes by Bonnie Gibson and Rosario Wilkes.

One day, Carol was driving past Zittel’s gourd farm and was intrigued by the old farm equipment. She stopped and while visiting the owners, they mentioned the gourds and the gourd patch that met there.  Carol visited a meeting and was “hooked”. She has been creating gourd art ever since.

Carol uses many techniques in her gourd art, like burning, carving, beading, coiling, and filigree. She uses jewelry, pine needles, seeds from various plants and other natural items. One example, is a piece of dried orange that she found on a walk.

Submitted by Colleen Ballard