Artists have a way of transforming the ordinary into beauty.

Take gourds, for example. Artists from the Brownwood Art Association have transformed last year’s bumper crop of gourds – all shapes and sizes – from the Brownwood Area Community Garden into works of art for the Garden’s third annual Spring Festival this Saturday.

The gourds will be displayed at the Spring Festival, and some will be for sale. Artists will also be taking advantage of the many artistic opportunities at the Festival, where art is just one aspect of the event.

Farmers market, music, and ladybugs will also be part of the mix April 20 for the third annual Spring Festival at the Brownwood Area Community Garden. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.

Brown County Farmers Market kicks off its 2013 season at the Spring Festival this year, offering fresh, naturally grown produce, as well as plants, crafts and other offerings. Beginning April 27, the Market will open each Saturday at 9 a.m. on the Brown County Courthouse square, at the corner of Fisk and South Broadway.

A Garden Store will offer a unique mix of indoor and outdoor items, and garden-themed door prizes will be given to Festival goers at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.

Also on the slate of activities for the Community Garden’s Spring Festival is a rain barrel program at 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Brown County Master Gardeners Association. Fifty-five gallon barrels plumbed and ready for installation will be for sale to those who attend the program for $50 each.

A “Ladybug Flyaway” is scheduled for 12 noon and thousands of ladybug beetles will be released into the garden for a summer of insect control and pollination. Children attending the festival can participate in the flyaway.

Live music will be provided by the local group Sun Duo and others. Brisket sandwiches, tacos, baked goods and drinks will also be available at family-friendly prices.

Admission to the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s Spring Festival is free, and parking is available at the Salvation Army building at 403 Lakeview Drive, between Commerce St. and Belle Plain Ave. Handicapped parking only is available behind the Central Texas Opportunities office at 1500 Dublin Street.

Brownwood Area Community Garden was established in 2009 for the purpose of providing fresh, naturally grown produce to area food pantries to feed the hungry. The Garden’s secondary purpose is to provide space for residents who wish to garden according to natural methods; to provide a venue for education on sustainable gardening practices; and to provide employment and on-the-job training opportunities for low-income workers.

For further information, call Mary Green Engle at 325-784-8453 or Daniel Graham at 325-641-9029.

Pictured above, Brownwood artist Tommy Munster puts the finishing touches on a gourd for the third annual Spring Festival this Saturday at the Brownwood Area Community Garden. Munster and other artists from the Brownwood Art Association have used their special talents to bring an artistic flair to this year’s event.