MaryHegarty Designs Gourd Art

I am a decorative painter/artist; all of my pieces are designed and created  by me.

Dried hardshell gourds have been my primary medium for many years . I love the history, developmental process from seed to dried gourd, as well as their organic nature. Each gourd “speaks” to me - their unique shapes, mold pattern /design, shell thickness play a part in inspiring my creations.

My gourd art is individually created for quality, originality, character and beauty and intended for years of use; no mass production of product. Some of the things I make out of gourds are- purses, figures, lamps, vessels, bowls, birdhouses, ornaments, jewelry; many seasonal items as well as for everyday use.

I  obtain my dried gourds from  gourd farmers in  South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arizona and California. They are some of the best places in the United States in terms of climate, soil conditions and long growing season necessary  to produce good quality, thick shelled gourds.