On June 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Community Arts: It’s Better Together! will have the first of two “Prep and Plant” sessions in the creation of the “Out of the Gourdinary” collaborative community project at Good Hope Farm, 1580 Morrisville Carpenter Road. Participants are invited to help, under the supervision of a farmer, in prepping the soil and planting gourd starts as well as pumpkin, sunflower, and marigold seeds. This will be the beginning of the building of the gourd tunnel that blends art, science, and nature to form a mixed media living sculpture.

The second “Prep and Plant” session is June 24. They are free of charge, and open to K5-15 with caregiver and those 16 and up. Waivers for persons under 18 must be signed by a guardian. Be sure to bring water and snacks. The gourd tunnel at Good Hope Farm will be a 20-foot long, 12-foot wide, 9-foot tall structure located in the community garden at Carpenter Park. It is the second collaborative project by Community Arts, following last year’s successful Your Door to Cary that created a sculpture that is in front of the Cary Art Center.

There are numerous ways for citizens of all ages to participate in this true community endeavor, which continues into November. Other activities include: training the vines, becoming a pollinator, harvesting the gourds, visual art and culinary classes, guest speakers, tunnel tours, environmental awareness, nature fun, and fitness activities. There will be a “Celebrate the Gourd Times” family event on Sept. 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Park that will include a tour of the tunnel, food trucks, and more. The list of ways to participate will be continuously updated.

To find out more, visit “Out of the Gourdinary” at www.townofcary.org.