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.
 
President of ILGS Bonnie Cox  ilmidwife@aol.com
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
********February 12-14********
 The Illinois Gourd Society- Southern Regional Chapter folks are planning a regional event
with The Midwestern Herb and Garden Show 
inside Times Square Mall, at Mount Vernon, IL read details here

The President's Message -- January 26, 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!  The ILGS is looking forward to exciting times in 2010.
         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 
        We now have 11 certified judges ready to place the ribbons in our upcoming competitions!
        Our next gourd festival, the NW Regional,  will be at Jack's Grain and Gourds in northern Illinois, 3 miles south of Wisconsin on May 1 and 2.  There will be vendors and classes.  If you would like to teach or vend, or for information contact Carol Lawrence, Region 7 Regional Director at cjvan@hotmail.com or 309-936-1179. 
        Saturday, June 5 there will be a gourd festival at the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, near Champaign. Contact Bev Notaro, Region 3 Regional Director for information on vending or teaching at bevvybevn@hotmail.com or 217-346-2972.  August 7-8  there will be a colored pencil class on gourds in Peoria. Contact Bonnie Cox at 309-682-6680 or ilmidwife@aol.com for details. 
        Our state festival will be at the Chicago Botanic Garden Sept l7-19 with classes, vendors and competition.  For classes, contact Sandy Bulgrin at SandyB4626@aol.com and for vendor information, call  Joyce Dankowski at 630-830-4546.  The date that teacher applications are due to Sandy is March 15.  For competition questions call Thomas Bloore at tbloore@sbcglobal.net or Sally Arnold at sassyii@sbcglobal.net  or 630-262-1741. For general organizational questions, check our web site or contact ILGS President Bonnie Cox at ilmidwife@aol.com or 309-682-6680.  We look forward to hearing from you, and hope you will join the ILGS as a member!. 

          Bonnie Cox, ILGS President.  ilmidwife@aol.com

photos from the 09 Festival!