Miniature gourds will be the canvases in library session

Are you still needing a jump-start into holiday cheer? A session at Madison Public Library may be the nudge you need.

The painting class is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Hooper)

Adult services librarian Rachel Hooper will lead a painting class for miniature gourds on Dec. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m.

“These miniature gourds make great holiday decorations,” Hooper said. “They can sit out for decoration or even be turned into an ornament to hang on your tree.” Or, participants may choose to paint a scene for year-round decoration.

“I’ve painted an example gourd that is a picture of Santa, but participants are encouraged to be creative and paint any scene they would like to paint,” Hooper said. “It can be related to the holiday season or any topic they choose.”

The class costs $5 and is open to anyone at least 18 years old. The library will supply all materials.

“Madison Public Library plans to continue classes of this nature throughout 2013,” branch manager Sarah Sledge said. These classes “epitomize the library as a community center and the role we play in lifelong learning. The Madison community embraces the notion that the library has something for everyone.”

Typically, class participants get very creative. “Even if people start with the same idea in the beginning, they are very unique when completed,” Hooper said. “I’ll have my Santa gourd example and will provide additional examples, but I’m sure each gourd will have its own creative flair.”

The class will use acrylic paints. Each participant will receive two miniature bottle gourds to paint. “We will have a sheet of additional ideas for participants to choose from. Then, we will each paint our scenes,” Hooper said.

Adults who are interested in the class should pre-register due to limited space and supplies. To sign up, visit hmcpl.org/adultcrafts. For additional questions, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or send email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.