Spotlight on Pat Dukes, Cypress Gourd Patch

Pat(ricia) Dukes is the newest member of the Cypress Gourd Patch. Pat is a newcomer to gourds. Two years ago she planted some hard shell gourds and when a bumper crop arrived, she needed something to do with them. In researching what gourds could be used for, she happened upon the Savannah Gourd Retreat and attended in 2008. It was several days later before she could stop grinning! Since that time Pat has taken several additional classes and is currently working to find her own voice in gourd art.

Originally from Ohio, Pat has lived in the Columbia area for nearly 30 years and will soon celebrate her 39th wedding anniversary with her high school sweetheart, Ron. They live on 7 acres with 2 cats, a border collie and a Basenji – the African Barkless Dog. Pat has been involved with Basenji rescue for a number of years and is an advisory director of BRAT, Basenji Rescue and Transport. “We place about 300 dogs/year and while it doesn’t change the world, it changes the world for each of those dogs.”

In addition to her rescue work, Pat writes grants for non-profit groups and is a Lexington County Master Gardener. She speaks to local groups about gardening and will give a gourd related talk at any opportunity.

She is a board member of DAST International – a group which arranges for a very specialized hip surgery (hip resurfacing) in 3 countries for people who qualify but cannot afford it.

She considers herself very fortunate to work from home where she can slip out to her studio to do a bit of gourd art during the day. Her gourds have been used as highly sought after auction items for various dog rescues and the South Carolina Midlands Master Gardener Association.