The gourds intrigued me…
with their smooth, light brown surface which appeared to be ceramic.
“They were covered with mud, manure and hay. But I took them home anyway and threw them in a corner of the studio.”
About The Artist
Many years ago, Holly Bentz Coia joined a concert choir, where she met people from various backgrounds, including a farmer who, one summer, grew hard-shelled gourds but wasn't sure what to do with them.
He brought them to choir practice and said, “You’re an artist, do something with these!”
She scrubbed and sanded the gourds, revealing their natural beauty, and when she painted them, the pieces were so well received that Holly was hooked from that moment on.
Exhibitions
A fine art approach to natural canvas.
Holly Bentz Coia transforms hard-shelled gourds into captivating works of art. Inspired by organic forms and natural textures.
Gallery
View latest work.
The Life Of A Gourd
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![Green gourds growing.Life of a Gourd - Green gourds growing]()
Green Gourds
Bright green gourds growing on the vine.
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Gourds Drying
The gourds are hung to dry, allowing for proper air circulation.
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Vines Dying
The gourds have been cut from the vines and are drying on a trellis, with the dead vines visible underneath. As they dry, the gourds will change from green to brown.
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Dried Gourds
These gourds have dried for a year and are ready to be soaked, scrubbed, and sanded. Preparation takes longer than the painting, and if not done correctly, the paint won’t adhere.
Cards, Books &
Arty Parties!
Add a touch of creativity to your correspondence - greeting cards.
These books make perfect gifts or treasured additions to your collection, offering a unique blend of art and narrative.
Looking to plan a fun and creative gathering?
Whether it's a birthday, bachelorette party, club event, or just a group of friends with custom-designed Arty Parties for groups of 4 to 24.
