Verna Bates-Gourds, Etc. Studio

07/11/2026

Sharing a memory….video was created well before 2022🤣 Click on the link to see the OSIYO-TV video.

06/30/2026

Hello Strangers!!
As I get older….er…I mean “more mature” I’m finding that my fingers, shoulders and knees ache a lot more. I’m moving slower and I don’t seem to accomplish as much in a day (or week) like I used to. I still have the “want to” but my get up and go tend to nap a lot. HOWEVER, anytime that I do go to my art studio, it’s like I am I infused with new energy and the “can do” returns. I have completed works that were submitted for purchase consideration in calls for art by Cherokee Nation…some of the works were not selected by their purchasing committee and those pieces will now be available for purchase during my Christmas Open House in December…OR, folks can still call/text to make appointments for shopping at the studio when schedules match. In the meantime, I’m 75 years old and STILL can’t quite permanently lock the studio doors and sit in a rocking chair. I plan to continue “arting” as long as I can…quitting has never been an option.
FYI…..I’m so excited!!!! One of my works of art will have a new home in the brand new W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah!! I don’t know exactly where it will be located just yet, but y’all keep an eye out for it when you go there. Here’s a sneak peek at the “Miniature Seven Clans” gourd masks enclosed in a shadowbox. The gourds used are about the size of a regular chicken egg.

03/15/2026

“Indigenous”
Hand formed clay beads, clay spacer bars and clay pendant. Matching earrings.

01/16/2026

Y’all, I’m sooooo excited and happy!!
I have received an email from Cherokee Nation advising that CNB has selected my creation, “MINIATURE SEVEN CLANS” gourd mask set for purchase and it will be displayed in our new Cherokee Nation Hospital in Tahlequah!!!! The individual masks are created from “Egg Gourds”, a unique gourd variety which, at maturity is only about the size of a chicken egg. Each mask depicts one of the Seven Clans of the Cherokee Nation. I’m feeling so honored to have my work selected for such a grand location. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing them first-hand. It was difficult to get a good photo because the glass covering produced reflections. Wado! to those who made this opportunity possible.

12/25/2025

(Not my work)
These particular symbols of the Cherokee syllabary are extra beautiful….
Merry Christmas!

12/24/2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I want to sincerely thank each one of you for generously supporting my art business! The year 2025 has been so kind to me and I’m looking forward to “arting” throughout the New Year. Having you visit my studio…. whether you shopped or simply sat and helped me solve (or create) our worlds problems is what keeps me happy. I look forward to precious time with you again in 2026! Jesus is the reason for the season! ❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚

12/23/2025

March 2022 Memory Pop Up.

12/09/2025