Local to open art studio
Verna Bates is just days away from opening her working art studio in Locust Grove. As the day gets closer, Bates admits she’s very nervous about her big opening.
“Introducing it (art) in your own place … it’s like the first day of school all over again,” Bates said. “It’s like wearing your feelings on your sleeve.”
Her studio, Gourds Etc., Native American Fine Art Studio and Gift Shop, will open May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. The studio is located at 9002 S. 439.2, in Locust Grove, on a 60 acre farm owned by Bates and husband Fred.
Among some of the pieces that will be featured at Gourds Etc., are gourd masks commonly called Booger Masks. Bates does several different gourd pieces but enjoys making the masks.
A Native American artist, Bates has been creating some form of art since 1989. About 12 years ago, Bates’ sister gave her a gourd and jokingly told her to do something with it.
“That was the beginning of the end,” Bates said with a laugh. “The gourds just opened a whole new world.”
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