Sedona’s Favorite Art Gallery and Gift Shop

The Village Gallery of Local Artists invites art lovers and collectors to experience the intricately crafted work of gourd artist Jodi Imms. Imms will be the Featured Artist for May 2026, with a reception on Friday, May 1st, from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can meet Imms and enjoy a demonstration on applying alcohol inks to gourds. Light refreshments will be served.

Imms’ original pieces are distinguished by earthy tones, Southwestern-inspired designs, and meticulously carved features, spanning a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and textures. Her customers include longtime collectors and those newly discovering gourd art. The most common question she receives is – What is a gourd? “[It’s] a relative of a pumpkin and squash,” she explains. “[A] gourd has a thick shell and is nonedible, whereas pumpkins and squash have soft shells and are edible.”

Imms began working in gourd art about sixteen years ago after moving to Arizona from Rhode Island. She previously worked in technical and scientific fields, including biological oceanography, physical therapy, and 25 years in software engineering, before pursuing art full-time.

Her process is meticulous, beginning with thoroughly cleaning the gourd. “I purchase gourds that have gone through a drying process at the farm,” she says, emphasizing the importance of sourcing locally from Casa Grande. Health and safety are also paramount. “The insides of gourds have a lot of mold and fungus in them, so using a good quality mask is a must.” Preparation includes scrubbing away mold, before cutting the top and cleaning the interior using scrapers and rotary tools. She determines how to use the piece based on shape and color.

Imms applies imagery using a range of techniques. “I’ll either burn or carve a design,” she explains.. She may also add dyes, inks, and acrylic paints, or enhance a piece structurally. “I will put a rim on the gourd using seagrass or pine needles with antler or driftwood handles.” Inspired by New England foliage, she frequently paints and carves leaf motifs. “This is still my favorite type of gourd to create.”

Many collectors select pieces reflecting their time in Sedona. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Southwest—from the deserts to the mountains and everything in between. Hummingbird, butterflies, and desert scenes have become especially popular themes over the years.”

Join us for a vibrant evening celebrating the work of Jodi Imms, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1st. The Village Gallery is located at 6512 State Route 179, in the Village of Oak Creek, and is always accepting applications for unique art and new membership in our cooperative style gallery. For more information, go to sedonalocalartists.com or phone (928) 284-1416.