2022 Competitive Classes

2022 Competitive Classes AND Entry Form

Notice of modification of Class 59.  For 2022, the American Gourd society has added a new award category for The Jim Story Award. That category is for “Multiple-Manipulated (Inseparable) Multiple-Manipulated (Inseparable).”  See the American Gourd Society website for additional details.  In order to support that new category, the Ohio Gourd Society is splitting Class 59 into two parts.  Class 59 A will be for single gourds, and 59 B will be for multiple-manipulated (inseparable) gourds.  Simply note on the entry form if you are entering A or B.  You may enter one or both.  For 2022 at the national level, the AGS has also allowed multiple entries from one person, and the entry qualifications now state that an entry place either 1^st or 2^nd in a State show.

 

New Class 59. Jim Story Award.   The Jim Story Award entry must be one or multiple (inseparable) mature, dried, cleaned, undecorated gourds that have been manipulated (hand-trained). This class is divided into two sub-classes.  The AGS criteria and judging process for the Jim Story award will be utilized for this selection.  First and second place winners of this class will be eligible to compete in the Jim Story Award at the national level.  See the American Gourd Society website for details, requirements and competition updates (www.americangourdsociety.org/jim-storyaward.html).

59 A.  Single Manipulated gourd.

59 B.   Multiple-Manipulated (inseparable) gourds.

DIVISION I

CURRENT SEASON GOURDS

• NOTE: Limited clear wax or oil is permitted in all classes.
• NOTE: Gourds must be clean and free of “soft spots”. Some evidence of natural drying may be evident.
• NOTE: Unless described as assorted, displays of three or six gourds should contain gourds that are identical or nearly identical.
• NOTE: This is a “Growers Division” as defined in the AGS JudgingHandbook. Gourds must be mature and clean. Stems are not included in size measurements. Stems are required in Classes 6, 7, 15, 16, 41 and 42 (AGS Handbook 6.8.5.4.1). In all other Division I classes, stems are encouraged, but not mandatory (see Rule 16).

 

CLASS

1. Heaviest gourd by weight.
2. Gourd with largest circumference.
3. Longest STRAIGHT gourd (not a Dipper gourd), not to exceed 4” gradual curve.
4. Longest CROOKED gourd (including Dipper gourds), must exceed 4” total curve.
5. Longest STRAIGHT Dipper gourd, not to exceed 4” gradual curve.
6. Three small, assorted Hardshells, under 12” diameter and length.
7. Three large, assorted Hardshells, over 12” in diameter or length.
8. Three short-handled Dippers, 15” and under in length.
9. Three long-handled Dippers, over 15” in length.
10. Three Cheese gourds.
11. Three Canteen gourds (not Copper Canyon Canteens).
12. Three small Bottle gourds, 5” or less in height.
13. Three Bottle gourds (Birdhouse gourds, Indonesian bottles, Mexican bottles, Chinese bottles, etc.) over 5” in height. The three gourds should be of the same variety.
14. Any “Arbor-grown” Hardshell (no Dipper gourds).
15. Most unusual Hardshell (oddity or freak of natural growth).
16. One, or more if inseparable, manipulated (hand-trained) gourd(s).
17. Most unusual Ornamental (oddity or freak of natural growth).
18. Three Ball Luffas (L. operculata).
19. Three Luffas (e.g. ridged – L. acutangula, or dishrag – L. aegyptiaca).
20. Three Cannonball or Basketball gourds.
21. Three Copper Canyon Canteen gourds.
22. Three Tennessee Spinning gourds (aka Tennessee Spinners).
23. Three Warty gourds (Hardshell Warty, African Warty, Warted Mayo Bule, etc.) – not ornamental gourds.
24. Three Hardshell Banana gourds.
25. Three Hardshell Apple gourds.
26. Three, true variety Hardshells not previously listed.
27. Smallest, mature Ornamental gourd.
28. Smallest, mature Hardshell gourd.
29. Three, assorted Spoon gourds, under 6” in length.
30. Three, assorted Spoon gourds, over 6” in length.
31. Three Spoon gourds.
32. Three Crown of Thorns gourds (any color, but all three must be the same color).
33. Three, assorted Crown of Thorns gourds (assorted colors, sizes, markings, etc.).
34. Three, assorted Autumn Wing gourds.
35. Six, assorted, small Ornamental Warties (under 3 ½” in diameter and 6” in length).
36. Six, assorted, large Ornamental Warties (over 3 ½” in diameter and/or over 6” in length).
37. Six, assorted, small Ornamentals (under 3 ½” in diameter and under 6” in length – no warties).
38. Six, assorted, large Ornamentals (over 3 ½” in diameter, and/or over 6” in length – no warties).
39. Six, true variety Ornamentals – any size.
40. Centerpiece (with fresh gourds predominating) in a tray, basket, bowl, plate, dried gourd, etc. Only natural accessory materials are permitted.
41. Most outstanding Hardshell (specimen gourd). Exhibitors are encouraged to display a note with the specimen naming the variety.
42. Most outstanding Ornamental (specimen gourd – no Luffas). Exhibitors are encouraged to display a note with the specimen naming the variety.
43. Two Snake gourds or Long gourds.

DIVISION II

DRY GOURDS

• NOTE: Clear finish (wax, varnish, oil, shellac or sealer) is allowed.
• NOTE: No color (paint, stain, ink, etc.) or embellishments are allowed.
• NOTE: Unless described as assorted, displays of three or six gourds should contain gourds that are identical or nearly identical.
• NOTE: This is a “Growers Division” as defined in the AGS Judging Handbook. Gourds must be dry, mature and cleaned. Stems are not included in size measurements. Stems are required in Classes 44, 47 and 48 (AGS Handbook 6.8.5.4.1). In all other Division II classes, stems are encouraged, but not mandatory (see Rule 16).

CLASS

44. Most outstanding, cleaned Hardshell (specimen gourd). Exhibitors are encouraged to display a note naming the specimen’s variety.
45. Longest STRAIGHT dipper gourd, not to exceed 4” gradual curve.
46. Longest CROOKED gourd (any variety), must exceed 4” total curve.
47. Three, small, assorted Hardshells (under 12” diameter and length).
48. Three, large, assorted Hardshells (over 12” diameter or length).
49. Three Hardshell Apple gourds.
50. Three Cannonball or Basketball gourds.
51. Three Dipper gourds (any size).
52. Six, assorted Ornamentals (any size).
53. Three Ball Luffas ( as in Class 18) with outer skin removed.
54. Three Luffas (as in Class 19) with outer skin removed.
55. Smallest Hardshell gourd.
56. Smallest Ornamental gourd.
57. Most unusual, natural gourd (oddity or freak of natural growth – not hand-trained).
58. One, or more if inseparable, manipulated (hand-trained) gourd(s).
59. Updated Jim Story Award.   The Jim Story Award entry must be one or multiple (inseparable) mature, dried, cleaned, undecorated gourds that have been manipulated (hand-trained). This class is divided into two sub-classes.  The AGS criteria and judging process for the Jim Story award will be utilized for this selection.  First and second place winners of this class will be eligible to compete in the Jim Story Award at the national level.  See the American Gourd Society website for details, requirements and competition updates (www.americangourdsociety.org/jim-storyaward.html).                                                        59 A.  Single Manipulated gourd.59 B.   Multiple-Manipulated (inseparable) gourds.

DIVISION III

GOURD CRAFT

• NOTE: Stems are optional.
• NOTE: Gourds must predominate and be of good quality.
• NOTE: No feathers/parts from protected species are allowed.
• NOTE: Musical instruments must be functional.
• NOTE: Accessory materials/embellishments, including bases for gourds, are allowed where not specifically prohibited.
• NOTE: If opened, gourd(s) must be cleaned on the inside.
• NOTE: Undecorated gourds may have a clear finish (wax, varnish, etc.).

CLASS Traditional Items

60. Short-handled Dipper gourd (15” and under in length) similar to those used in early times. The gourd must be opened and clean inside. Corks or plugs in the handle are optional, but no color or embellishment is allowed.
61. Long-handled Dipper gourd (over 15” in length) similar to those used in early times. The gourd must be opened and clean inside. Corks or plugs in the handle are optional, but no color or embellishment is allowed.
62. Decorated Dipper gourd (any length). The gourd must be opened and clean inside. Corks or plugs in the handle are optional. The interior/exterior may be decorated or finished by any technique(s).
63. Undecorated gourd bowl containing whole, dry gourds. No color, accessory material or other embellishment is permitted on the bowl or the gourds. A clear finish or sealer is allowed.
64. Non-holiday centerpiece of whole, dry gourds. Only natural accessory materials are permitted. The centerpiece may be contained in a dish, basket, bowl, gourd bowl, etc., and the gourds may be decorated.
65. Gourd pitcher, vase or bottle. Gourd pieces (such as a handle) may be attached. Holiday Items
66. One Christmas ornament (must hang).
67. Christmas item or display (no ornaments as in Class 66).
68. Santa gourd(s).
69. Halloween item or display
70. Easter item or display.
71. Holiday item or display (other than Christmas, Halloween or Easter). Exhibitors are encouraged to display a note naming the holiday.

Basic and Advanced Techniques

72. Whole gourd – Carving (power carving, chip carving, gouging, line work, etc.) must predominate.
73. Whole gourd – woodburning must predominate.
74. Whole gourd – painting must predominate.
75. Whole gourd – any technique not named in classes 72-74 above, or combination of techniques including those above.
76. Cut gourd (lid optional) – carving/cutting (any technique) must predominate.
77. Cut gourd (lid optional) – woodburning must predominate.
78. Cut gourd (lid optional) – painting must predominate.
79. Cut gourd (lid optional) – any technique not named in classes
    • 76-78 above, or combination of techniques including those above.
80. Cut gourd with decorated rim (pine needles, weaving, coiling, beading, etc.) – lid optional. The gourd itself may be decorated or undecorated, but the rim work must predominate.
    • NOTE: For Classes 81-82, basketry/weaving/lacing techniques, including
      pine needle work, weaving, coiling, tenerife, plaiting, etc., must
      predominate. It may be on the rim, through or around the gourd.
81. Gourd basket with handle. A lid is optional.
82. Gourd basket /bowl/container without a handle. A lid is optional.
83. Gourd container (bowl, box, basket, jar, etc.) with a lid. Any decorative technique(s) may be used, including those in classes 81 and 82.
84. Beaded gourd. Any beading technique in or on the gourd.
85. Gourd decorated by pen and ink technique. Color may be added with ink, watercolor, stain etc.
86. Wax Art. Decorate a gourd(s) with melted wax material (e.g. crayons). Entries may include whole gourds, cut gourds, jewelry, etc. Musical Instruments
87. Stringed musical instrument (chordophone).
88. Drum (membranophone), including water drums and ocean drums (no thunder drums).
89. Thunder drum only.
90. Rattle (idiophone), e.g. shaker, maraca, uli’uli, rain stick, guiro.
91. Thumb Piano only, (e.g. mbira, kalimba).
92. Shekere only.
93. Wind instrument (aerophone) e.g. whistle, flute, trumpet, ocarina

 

Figures – Animals, Birds, Dolls, Characters, etc.

94. Gourd doll, character or figure.
95. Realistic gourd bird(s), using one or more gourds or gourd parts. Penguins are not permitted.
96. Gourd penguin(s).
97. Realistic gourd animal(s) (mammal, reptile, fish, etc.), using one or more gourds or gourd parts. Birds are not permitted.
98. Fantasy gourd animal(s), dragon(s) or monster(s) using one or more gourds or gourd parts.
99. Gourd Insect.

Wearable Creations

100. Jewelry set. A set consists of two or more pieces. A pair of earrings is considered one piece for this class.
101. Jewelry – single piece. A pair of earrings is considered one piece in this class.
102. Artistic, wearable, gourd name badge. The name badge must include first name and state. Additional information is optional, as are the size of the gourd(s) and the decorative technique(s). The name badge must be wearable (pin, neck strap, etc.).
103. Decorated gourd hat (any technique(s)). Gourds and/or gourd pieces may be attached.
104. Undecorated gourd hat in natural color (no stain, paint, ink, or other color). A clear finish is allowed and multiple gourds (cut or uncut) may be used.
105. Mask (must be a functional face mask [may be hand-held style]).

Themed Gourds

106. Native American theme decorated gourd(s) – no bowls/baskets.
107. Native American theme decorated gourd – bowls/baskets only.
108. Other ethnic theme – single of multiple gourds. (Please attach a note to name the theme being displayed.)
109. “Show Theme.” A single item made from a gourd(s) and/or gourd pieces utilizing any technique.
110. “Show Theme” Display of multiple items made from gourds and/or gourd pieces.

The Fun Stuff

111. One toy (may be a set) or game made from gourd(s).
112. Novel article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers as in classes 60-62).
113. Useful article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers as in classes 60-62).
114. Workshop participants from Friday, may enter any class project . Entries in this class only may be removed early.
115. Miniature creations. Any gourd art less than 4” in any dimension.
116. “I did it my way”. Any gourd craft. Natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, are allowed.

Lamps and Luminaries

117. Useable, electric, gourd lamp. Accessory materials are permitted and a gourd shade is optional. If needed, a base may be used.
118. Gourd luminary or night light. Accessory materials are permitted. If candles or oil are used, the luminary is not to be lighted while on display at the Show. Electric devices should use low wattage bulbs (4 watt or comparable). There is no restriction on batterypowered luminaries.
119. Gourd oil lamp (not to be lighted during the show).

Floral Designs

• NOTE: Gourd containers in Classes 120 – 126 may be natural or decorated.

120. Small, dried floral design in a gourd container ( 8” or less total height).
121. Dried floral design in a gourd container (must exceed 8” total height).
122. Floral design using all fresh materials in a gourd container.
123. Floral design incorporating fresh or dried gourds. The arrangement may be in a gourd or any other container.
124. “I did it my way” floral design. Gourds must predominate.
125. “Show Theme” floral design. Portray the Gourd Show theme with a floral design in a gourd container.
126. Silk floral design in a gourd container.
127. Undecorated gourd container with a live plant or plants. All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container. No hidden pots are allowed. A clear finish and/or single-color stain/dye are allowed but no accessories are permitted other than a base.
128. Decorated gourd container with a live plant or plants. All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container. Accessories and a base are allowed.
129. Undecorated, hanging gourd container with a live plant or plants. A clear finish and/or single-color stain/dye are allowed but no accessories other than hanger material. All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.

Decorations to Hang

130. Gourd wreath.
131. Wall hanging, swag, door crown, etc.
132. Wall pocket.

For the Birds

• NOTE: The National Wildlife Federation notes that ventilation and drainage
  holes are desireable.

133. Birdhouse for House Wrens with an entrance opening of approximately 1”. There should be no perch.
134. Birdhouse for Purple Martins. The gourd should be painted white and have drain holes and vent holes. Entrance holes (2 choices): Round – approximately 1¾” to 2¼”, but 2 1 /8 ” is preferred; Half-moon or Starling-resistant crescent – 1 3 /16 ” tall by 2 ¾” to 3” wide. A porch (a long, wide, flat perch) or a tail prop board is optional.
135. Birdhouse (except House Wren or Purple Martin). Exhibitors are encouraged to display a note naming the bird(s) being attracted and stating the opening size.
136. Decorated birdhouse. Gourd must have an entrance hole (size is optional) and be cleaned inside. Painting must predominate.
137. Decorated birdhouse. Gourd must have an entrance hole (size is optional) and be cleaned inside. Any technique(s) other than painting must predominate.
138. Bird feeder (functional).

Gallery Display

• NOTE: Judging for Gallery Class 139 will include the following considerations in equal weight: craftsmanship and design of
  individual gourds, arrangement/staging, and suitability of accessories.

139. Gallery display – 3, 4 or 5 decorated gourds arranged artistically. Accessory material is permitted, including risers. The display must fit within a 2×4-foot space (2 feet deep and four feet long, tables may only be 30 inched wide). A display cloth or table cover is suggested. The gourds may have been displayed in other classes (not the gallery class) at previous Ohio Shows including the 2017 Show. The gallery display should highlight an artist’s work and may depict a common theme, spotlight a technique or characterize the artist’s style.