Columbia Basin Basketry Guild - Mary Gayle Van Ingen

Home / Membership / Guild Information / Programs & Events / Members Pages / Resources

Mary Gayle Van Ingen
Gourd Designer & Basket Maker

A few years ago in Old Town Albuquerque I saw my first gourd - a smooth, wonderful brown orb, simply woodburned and stained, and I fell in love. Upon returning home, I found in my mail a magazine with an article about gourds. I figured it was "meant to be," and from that point forward, I've been hopelessly hooked.

I am fascinated by this plain brown vegetable which has been used by humans for over 12,000 years. I love growing them, talking about them, working with them, the list goes on.

Here are some examples of gourds that I have had fun growing and decorating. Each has been an adventure in its own rite.