Help Celebrate the Art and Life of Gourd Artist, Larry McClelland

Earlier this year the gourd community lost one of its most creative artists, Larry McClelland (1939 -2010) .  Larry was a great supporter,  volunteer, and participant in the California Gourd Society’s Gourd Art Competition at the Welburn Gourd Farm. 

He will be greatly missed in this year’s competition. In his honor you will see a special category challenging exhibiting gourd artists to emulate Larry’s art in a piece of gourd art they create.

During the Festival we encourage you visit the special display honoring the life and art of Larry McClelland, sponsored by the California Gourd Society and Welburn Gourd Farm. 

The booth, located near the competition tents, will feature a storyboard about Larry’s life and a display of some of his very unique, colorful and creative art work which will be available for purchase.  You will have the opportunity to participate in a drawing for two of Larry’s larger works, including a beautiful ipu heke.  

Larry McClelland owned an extensive and eclectic collection of folk art. Beautiful, brightly painted wood carvings by various Oaxacan artists, just one of his collections, will also be featured in the display and be available for purchase.  

All proceeds from the sale of Larry’s artwork and art collections will, at Larry’s request, benefit the California Gourd Society.