I have always loved art and drawing.  I began at an early age, when art was my favorite subject in school; drawing portraits was my favorite subject matter.  In participating in Miss Alpena, I did a 90-second portrait as my talent (very unusual). 

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I volunteered, then coordinated the program, “Picture Person” for the Alpena Public Schools for many years.  I loved showing and sharing with students about artists and various techniques. 

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I am mostly self-taught but did take a painting and drawing class which I liked.  “Gourd” art started when I quit working and needed to supplement my income and needed a hobby too.  Friends helped and encouraged me tremendously.  While traveling I found a “Gourd Festival”—10,000 people attended with artists from all over the 50 states.  This really inspired me to learn this technique, turning a raw, dried gourd into a piece of art is very demanding and time consuming.  I love it!  The process of buying, cleaning, painting, carving, etc. has been fun.

 

I don’t know how much longer I will do this since I don’t travel to Arizona every year, but I will always enjoy doing art.

 

Face painting and caricature portraits, which I am learning techniques for, are also my favorite forms of expression.  I would encourage everyone to try some type of medium of art.  You might find something you love!

 

Call me for custom design requests—Wendy’s Whimsical Gourds, 989-657-1972 or wendywerth068@gmail.com