The Illinois Gourd Society was formed in July, 1998 by a small group of gourd artists and growers who wanted to promote this craft in Illinois.  The goals of this Society are directed towards the education and instruction of individuals within the state of Illinois who are interested in gourd culture, uses, history, and/or crafting. This Society continues to grow in numbers since its inception. The ILGS is a member of the American Gourd Society http://www.americangourdsociety.org/ Sister states with gourd societies are Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky. There are 24 states with gourd chapters of the AGS. Check our links page page for their web pages and more information on gourd resources. 
 
President of ILGS Bonnie Cox  ilmidwife@comcast.net
Vice-President Maria Reese  sweet_nasuc@yahoo.com
Secretary: Sue Cutter  cutterms@prairieinet.net
Treasurer/Membership  Rhonda Adair  jkadair@adams.net
Newsletter Editor: Karen Caldwell klcaldwell@comcast.net
Join us! - membership form

  2010 Upcoming Events:
  • August 7-8: Colored Pencil Class on Gourds in Peoria. 
  • September l7-19: ILGS Fall Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden: vendors, classes,  AGS annual meeting 
  • October, each weekend Fall Color at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle: classes and vendors
    The President's Message -- July 10, 2010
    •           Welcome to the Illinois Gourd Society web page.  We are glad you are interested in gourds, and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about growing or crafting these inspiring objects!  
             We have regional directors in each region of the state who are busy coordinating gourd activities in their regions.  See the regional map and contact information for the regional directors. Maria Reese our VP is working on establishing a gourd group in the Chicago area.  Her contact information is  708-345-4748 or  sweet_nasuc@yahoo.com  
    I hope you are interested in attending the colored pencil class in Peoria August 7-8, and our state festival with classes, gourd vendors, and competition at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Sept l7-19.  The annual membership meeting of the American Gourd Society will be on Sunday morning at 8 am at the botanic garden.  The annual meeting of the Illinois Gourd Society will be on Saturday morning, Sept l8.  October will be busy with weekend booths and classes at the Morton Arboretum.  We hope to see you at these events!   

               Best wishes,
               Bonnie Cox, ILGS President.  ilmidwife@comcast.net
     
         2010  Nominations for ILGS Officers are Open!!
    Our constitution states that on even years these positions will be elected:  President, Secretary and even numbered regions (2, 4, and 6).  Please consider running for an office in the ILGS!  Here is a basic description of each of the available positions.
    President:  The President oversees the basic operations of the society and conducts the annual meeting.  The most important job is to network with members throughout the state, to encourage new members, and develop the regions.  Our organization is very healthy with a general feeling of growth and good will.  This would be a great time to step into this office and help the organization grow even more!  There is a lot of room to be creative.  The current president will work with the oncoming person to make a smooth transition. 
    Secretary:    Keeps minutes of all annual meetings.
    Regional Directors.   Regional directors keep in touch with members in their regions by welcoming new members and encouraging established members.  The development of regional festivals is encouraged. 
         lllinois Gourd Society Regional Director Job Description
      1. Know, live by and promote the mission statement of the    American Gourd Society and the Purpose of the IL Gourd Society.
      2. Encourage Patch formation and be a resource to the Patch.
      3.  Promote regional gourd events.
      4.  Promote educational events relating to gourds by forming a speakers     bureau. 
      5.  Follow up with new and renewing members.
      6   Encourage the formation of regional interest groups.
        Mission Statement American Gourd Society: Promotes interest in all activities relating to gourds: cultivation, historical uses, gourd show competition, craftwork and artistic decoration.
        Purpose: Illinois Gourd Society: 
    Constitution:  The purpose of the Illinois Gourd Society shall be directed to the education and instruction of those persons who are interested in the culture, uses, history, and/or crafting of gourds.
    By-Laws:  The objectives of the Illinois Gourd Society are to educate, promote, and encourage the culture and crafting of gourds, to provide information and educational services to its members and the general public.

    If you would like to be nominated for this office or would like to nominate a person, contact Mary Frieburg  (217-245-5674) or Rhonda Adair (jkadair@adams.net, 217-964-2485) nominating committee co-chairmen.  The term of office begins at the annual membership meeting Sept l8th at the fall festival.  Term of office is two years


           Photos from recent events . . .
          tMidwestern Herb and Garden Show at Times Square Mall, in Mount Vernon in February.
          tIL NW Regional Festival at Jacks Grain and Gourds, Durand in May
          tGreat Gourd Gathering in Arthur in June
     
    Want to learn more about gourds? Visit our Gourd Society links page