AISA club teaches the art of the gourd

The American Indian Student Alliance Club (AISA) continued a tradition of outreach into the community on Saturday, January 24, drawing in eager practitioners of the arts and crafts all the way from Pinehurst, Idaho, with its engaging class set titled “The Art of the Gourd.”

Sarai Mays, a practitioner of the craft for 20 years, teaches students how to turn a gourd into an artful masterpiece in the lower SUB of the NIC Campus. Having sold many of her pieces in galleries in the past, Sarai now prefers to teach. Sarai said she acquired her passion for Gourd Art through a class herself.

Evanlene Melting Tallow, American Indian Student Adviser, described the class as a means of enhancing the quality of life for students and the community. Many of the gourds made in class will be donated to the Spokane Tribal College silent auction to be held Feb. 7, 2015 to aid in their fundraising.

Class participant displays her penguin-influenced gourd art.

As for the mission of enhancing the quality of life for its students, glowing reviews accompanied wide smiles, proving their stated goal a success. Leanne Reed, a third-time student of the class, travels all the way from Pinehurst, Idaho to attend.

“Oh, it’s wonderful!” Reed beamed before returning to her uncarved gourd with contemplative intensity.

Mary Jacobs, who first heard of the class through an advertisement, lit up as she explained her experiences in the class.

“In a nutshell,” Jacobs explained, “it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. So, when I saw it advertised, I thought, ‘this is my chance.’ I’m in heaven.”

The classes, having started Jan. 24, will continue once a month until May, 2015. Located in the lower level of the Student Union Building, the class costs $40 for general admittance and $20 for NIC Students. For more information on reserving a space in the classes, contact Evanlene Melting Tallow at 208-769-3365.

Some finished gourd art pieces.

–All Photos Courtesy of Evanlene Melting Tallow.