Vyskocil Arts
Don Vyskocil
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Don now resides
in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a youth in Boy Scouts he
developed a love for the outdoors and Native American
traditions. He spent many hours in the woods camping
and fishing and was a member of a Native American
dance team. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and is
now retired from the BSA. 
Don is a self-taught artist.His earlier artwork included
Don is a self-taught artist.His earlier artwork included woodcarving and sculpture. Since his introduction to
gourd art in 2003, his primary focus has been wildlife
art on gourds. He uses power-carving, painting, wood-burning, and the use of embellishments (such as the addition of clay, bones, pine-needles, etc.) to enhance the texture, shape, and thickness of the gourd. Don's main objective is to try to blend the realistic with the artistic. He diligently researches his subject matter so that he can add just the right amout of detail to his artwork. It is his hope that his finished pieces are aesthetically appealing and will faithfully depict the subject that he has created.
Don's gourd art had evolved tremendously since winning Honorable Mention in the Newcomer's Class at the 2004 Texas Gourd Society's State Show. At the 2006 TGS show he was awarded Best of Show and the People's Choice Award for "The Fishing Hole." He was the featured artist at the 2007 TGS Show where his piece "Tembo" won First Place in the Open Division. He has been one of the featured artists at the annual Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show sponsored by the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas.
