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The Gourd Sisters, Ann Beninato and Lindy Lindy Hoffman were both born and raised in Missouri. We met 6 years ago through our daughters who are classmates. We quickly became best friends and we each feel that the other is the sister that we never had. We are both stay at home moms. Our passion for gourd art arose 5 years ago when we attended our first Show Me Gourd Society Festival. We were amazed by what master artisans from all over the state were creating with hard shell gourds. We had trouble containing our enthusiasm and we were quickly embraced by the gourd community .These talented artists are some of the most generous and lovable people we have ever met. We were eager to learn and they answered every question we had regarding all stages of gourd art without hesitation or reserve. Needless to say, we came home from the festival bursting with excitement and a bag full of moldy hard shell gourds. As artists, gourds dared us to go beyond. After 5 years, we are still astounded by the virtually unlimited techniques and embellishments that can be used to decorate a gourd. We have painted, wood burned, carved, dyed.... we even decorated one gourd with upholstery tacks. They offer so many possibilities and each gourd has its own unique personality. Often times the gourd itself tells us what it wants to be. All we have to do is listen. For the contemporary artist, gourds are about as natural and versatile medium one can find. We are members of the Show Me Gourd Society and The American Gourd Society .This past spring we were elected as Co- Treasurers and Membership Secretaries for the Missouri Society. We are also members of the show committee for the 2006 Show Me Gourd Festival. Over the past 3 years we have exhibited at numerous shows and fairs. Not only do we love showing our work, but we also enjoy educating the public about this unique art form. The Gourd Sisters -
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