2021 Demonstrating Artisan

Wolf, Susan

Gourds by Suzanna, LLC.

Mixed Media

My love for gourd art stems from my horticultural interests coupled with my desire to produce a functional as well as decorative product. To briefly describe my work, I pencil a design onto a gourd surface which is used as a template to carve or wood burn the design. To carve, I use woodworking tools, called gouges. By varying the size of the gouge and the position and length of the cut I achieve different designs. On occasion I relief carve with a power carver. After carving I embellish with dyes, acrylics, metallic rubs or patinas. I also use pine needles, sliced walnuts, brass knobs.

I am originally from Lancaster, PA. After receiving my Ph.D. in Biology from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, I moved to VA in 1988 to conduct research at the UVA, Charlottesville, VA and subsequently at a VA Tech Research Station in Winchester, VA. In 2004 I left research to start Gourds by Suzanna LLC . I am currently self-employed and work out of my home in Toms Brook, Virginia.

DeWitt, Robert & Dominique

Wood

Our work is inspired by traditional American treenware with a contemporary design sense. Over the years, we expanded our work to include a variety of kitchenware and now custom furniture for the whole house. We use local, regional, and salvaged hardwoods, always keeping in mind sustainable forestry practices. Many of our pieces are made from trees harvested from our property.

DeWittWoodworking.net

Bognar, Tom & Carole

Callaway Colonials

Mixed Media

Having an interest in history and art, the Bognars have combined both decorative and utilitarian items from gourds-Folk Art Gourd Pottery. Throughout history there are many references to gourds. As the world’s oldest pottery, they have been used for their functionality as containers of all sorts worldwide. During the fair they will explain the background and historical use of gourds and the preparation of them through cutting and cleaning. A gourd that is planted one year, dries for months, and is ready for use the following year is a unique interest to the public.

The techniques used on their work includes: carving, watercolor, paint, pen & ink, dye work, and wood burning. Our line consists of bowls, baskets, jugs, vases, canisters, pockets, clocks, and pitchers. Designs are inspired by historical motifs, botanical/nature, graphics, and seasonal.

Bognars gourd work has been featured in magazines, television and part of other quality art events.

Waterford Quilters Guild

Fiber/Textiles

The Waterford Quilters Guild of Waterford, VA creates an original quilt to be raffled off each year at the Waterford Fair. The quilt is hand or machine pieced by the members of the guild and is hand or machine quilted. The proceeds are used toward preserving the tradition of quilting and to promote knowledge and understanding regarding the art of quilting. The Quilters range from traditional to modern quilting techniques. They also support various causes in the Town of Waterford.

WaterfordQuiltersGuild.org