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All the United States New York State New York City Ithaca Gourdlandia
AO Edited

Gourdlandia

This art center is way beyond your average pumpkin-carving operation.

Ithaca, New York

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Graham Ottoson
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Gourd lamps for sale at Gourdlandia.   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
How did that knot get there?   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
American Gourdthic.   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
Graham and Otto represent Gourdlandia in the Ithaca Festival Parade.   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
The Tunnel of Gourd.   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
The Gourdlandia Anthem (to the tune of Oh Canada!).   grahamottoson / Atlas Obscura User
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About

At Gourdlandia, Graham and Otto Ottoson gladly share their passion for the most versatile vegetable.

Inside a simple cabin-like building, Graham Ottoson, a midwife-turned-artist, creates art from gourds. The self-proclaimed "Gourd Lady" began by making gourd lamps. Her passion only grew, leading her to open Gourdlania. Now, visitors can stroll through the gourd trellis, see "pepos" (tiny fuzzy baby gourds), and learn about the art and science of gourd cultivation.

Though anyone may stop by to appreciate Gourdlandia's wealth of gourd art, workshops are also available for those who wish to learn the craft for themselves. Otto explains how to cure and wash gourds. Graham instructs participants on the finer points of gourd carving, using her gourd-carving tools and tiny gourd jigsaw. Those seeking inspiration can peruse her vast body of work, which includes gourd marionettes, gourd masks, gourd bugles, and of course, gourd lamps.  

Since the Ottosons began their love affair with gourds, Gourdlandia has quickly become one of Ithaca's most beloved, wholesome art centers. Ask about the current gourd experiment—there is always something new in the works. Be sure to visit the restroom and check out the gourd toilet paper hanger.

Related Tags

Food Museums Collections Flora Gardens Art Schools Plants Museums

Know Before You Go

Best to call ahead to be sure it's open: (607) 277-0589. Gourdlandia is located at EcoVillage at Ithaca, a cohousing community of some renown. Information about tours of EcoVillage can be found on the EcoVillage website.

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grahamottoson

Edited By

Greg Jones, Molly McBride Jacobson, Blindcolour

  • Greg Jones
  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • Blindcolour

Published

March 21, 2017

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  • http://www.arttrail.com/artists/OTTOSON.html
  • http://www.visitithaca.com/attractions/gourdlandia-1749
Gourdlandia
77 Rachel Carson Way
Ithaca, New York
United States
42.445654, -76.538808
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