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Published on 06/05/1995 All articles from this issue

Author to discuss great gourds in history at main library

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"What's So Great About Gourds?" will be the topic of a talk by author Ginger Summit, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 21 at the Los Altos Main Library. That's exactly the question Ginger thought several years ago when she encountered gourds for the first time. After trying her hand at gourd embellishment, she began to pursue the elusive gourd in earnest.

She found that this fascinating member of the squash family has been used by cultures throughout the world for more than 15,000 years. Some of the fascinating historical uses of gourds are now preserved in museums in countries worldwide, and gourds continue to be used daily by people in many areas, including Africa, South and Central America, and even many parts of the United States.

They have recently been rediscovered by fine artists and craftsmen, and appear in galleries and private collections around the world.

Ginger has been collecting gourds on her travels, and many of the gourds from her collection are currently on display in the Los Altos Library, from June 1- July 31. Her talk will feature the background history of those gourds on display as well as many others from her collection.

For the past year Ginger has been working on a book to be published this fall on most of the techniques currently being used for gourd embellishment. She will share many of the gourd projects which were completed for the book, as well as examples of gourd art by other artists around the country.

She will also include tips for growing your own gourds, and sees for the curious or the adventurous gardener.

This talk is part of an ongoing series of talks by local authors, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. It will take place in the Community Room of the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road., Los Altos, on June 21, at 7:30. It is open to the public and free of charge.