Gourdlandia

Artist · Ithaca

Gourdlandia

Artist · Ithaca

1

77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850

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Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
Gourdlandia by grahamottoson (Atlas Obscura User)
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Highlights

More than a gallery, not quite a farm... Gourdlandia is a place to experience! Come visit and learn about the most spectacular member of the cucurbit family. The trellis is lovely in the summer and fall, the shop is open year-round, and there's always something good happening. Drop in anytime we're open and make a necklace ($3, about 15") or a nightlight ($25, about 45"). FUN? Yes! Weekends are iffy, call ahead. Also, please check the website for last minute schedule changes.  

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77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

gourdlandia.com
@gourdlandia

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77 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

+1 607 277 0589
gourdlandia.com
@gourdlandia

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@atlasobscura

10 Places to Fall in Love With Fall

"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." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/10-places-to-fall-in-love-with-fall
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Grace Xing

Google
We absolutely loved our visit and workshop at Gourdlandia! Graham is so warm, fun and artistic, encouraging everyone to explore their own ideas while ready to help if you seek her opinions. We did not understand why she predicted at our arrival we were going to have a party in the bathroom of her workshop until we took turns to try out our nightlight creations :)). We are already planning our next visit: walking in the gourd gardens and the eco-village - one of the earliest in the US.

Kristen Nygren

Google
This place is such a Gem. The shop owner, and artist behind all the wonderful Gourd art, is Graham, a creative and lovely person. Her Gourd Art is inspiring, whimsical, and just lovely to own. I have bought 5 different lamps and many Christmas ornaments from her and I love them all. It's my favorite place to take visitors to our area.

Jane Femia baider

Google
Gourdlandia is our happy place. My adult children and I found it one year while visiting the area and then had to back again! Graham is the most genuine , fun loving and amazing person- and she is the heart and soul of Gourdlandia- with Otto too , of course! She is an inspirational artist and and an excellent teacher. She creates a welcoming atmosphere for artists and for those like me - not so artistically inclined- she provides patient guidance and inspiration.

Cindy Futter

Google
I have been to Gourdlandia for 5-6 classes. Even though I am always alone, Graham is always gracious and enjoyable. She is willing to help and show me what to do to finish the project I want to make. I have always worked beside her as she worked, but if I needed help she was quick to put her project aside to help. Cindy

edna moyer

Google
I took my husband, son, and his GF to Gourdlandia to make a night light. I knew his GF would enjoy our time there and I was pleasantly surprised to see both my son and husband enjoying every minute of our time together there. We left with 4 beautiful creations and a great memory of time spent together. We'll be back for sure! This was my second time there. Such an awesome hidden gem!

Jamie McLaughlin

Google
We just spent four days in Ithaca and four days in NYC and Gourdlandia was my teens favorite stop. They loved learning about the process and making nightlights. Our gourd creations are our most treasured "souvenir." We just got home and they are all plugged in around the house. Thanks, Graham!

Lorraine Sincavage

Google
My niece & I were at Gourdlandia a couple weeks ago & each of us took a different class. We had a blast! Ever near Ithaca, stop by & say hello to Graham & Otto, you won't regret it.

Niranjan Pandeshwar

Google
Came here looking at very good reviews. But the lady here was very rude and was not interested in teaching. Asked us three times whether we really want to make a night lamp (because she was probably in a hurry to leave!). I am not going to visit this place ever.
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Eden H.

Yelp
When I was researching things to do in Ithaca I stumbled upon a placed called "Gourdlandia". A place dedicated to gourds? I had to check it out and I'm so glad I did. Not too far from town, a bit off the beaten path is Gourdlandia. When I arrived, there were some people weeding in the garden including the owner who warmly greeted us and showed us around the garden explaining the process the gourds go through in order to use them to make artwork. Afterwards we went into the shop and there were beautiful crafted lamps and other items for purchase. I bought a super cute nightlight that I can't wait to use!
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Jade J.

Yelp
Did this with my mom and aunt (they're in their 70s) and we all loved it. Enjoyable, unique, indoor experience where you don't need to be an artist for your project to turn out well. This is a great option if the weather is uncooperative and you need an indoor activity.
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Michelle W.

Yelp
I loved it here! Amazing service (they opened the store for me when they learned I was an out of towner). They took my 5 year old to make a bead necklace while I browsed and offered so much information. Not to mention, the products are beautiful!
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Meghan B.

Yelp
We were in Ithaca for a mini vaca and it was a rainy day. I googled "cool things to do in Ithaca" and saw this spot listed. I knew we had to check it out. What a simple, yet incredibly unique and cool concept. All of the art in this shop is made out of gourds. We spoke with the owner and learned so much about gourds- she even showed us the little tools that she uses. It was so cool! We purchased a couple magnets and an EPIC gourd nightlight, which we appropriately named "Gordan". My only regret is that we didn't have the time to take a class. Classes take about an hour and are completely affordable. It would have been so cool to have made a night light ourselves. We are keeping that on our to-do list for the next time we visit Ithaca!
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
My family (ages 3, 5, 12, 14, plus adults) visited twice and made a nightlight and bowls. Everyone voted it their favorite experience in Ithaca. Graham is a kind and patient teacher. We left with beautiful lights and bowls. Very reasonably priced. Highly recommended!!