Non-traditional agriculture often is the niche that small limited resource farmers fill in order to remain relevant in an ever-expanding world of corporate agriculture.  The production of unique or specialty crops that require special care and attention are ideal selections for the weekend warrior with a full time job, farmers retired from public work or those just starting out and looking for extra revenue.  The production of drying gourds and subsequent value adding processes are typical activities of those involved with the Kentucky Gourd Society.  But theirs is an aging population in search of newer members.   Similarly, urban youth often many generations withdrawn from rural life, feel an inherent separation from the land. 

Kentucky State University (KSU) Cooperative Extension bridged that divide by hosting a special one-day event on campus to pair youth with the experts in the field and brought in a world-renowned gourd artist to explain his works and the opportunities available to aspiring growers and artists alike.  Students from dual credit Biology and Art classes from Frankfort Independent Schools were invited to KSU where they were exposed to two congruent sessions-one taught by extension personnel and the other a hands on activity where a dried gourd was turned into an artistic piece.  The culminating keynote included Sam X of Georgia sharing of his masterful works of art created from gourds.  As a motivational speaker, he also relayed life lessons to be followed for success in whatever endeavors the students ultimately become involved.

As a result of this Art in Agriculture event, these urban youth were exposed to an entirely unique presentation on what it means to become a farmer, artist or both.  Over 50 public high school students and a half dozen home schooled children benefitted from the exercise.  In addition to artistic opportunities, students were exposed to the concepts of genetics, the varied and widespread uses gourds provide worldwide and a detailed anthropological study of the role they have played in human development and cultural expansion.   The use of musical gourd instruments and an explanation of their unique design provided an additional connection of the practical and artistic role these unique fruits have and continue to play.   Plans are to expand the scope and reach of this event in years to come.