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 Paula Farrell  chkieg68@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
  • Regional directors and map  
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  • Patches
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      Upcoming Events:
  • June 2,  2012 - The Great Gourd Gathering in Arthur  at the Great Pumpkin Patch 
  • June 23-24, 2012 - Lebanon  Art and Gourd Festival
  • June 30:  9-noon - Carving Flowers with Bonnie Adams -- Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club  Peoria Hts.  
  • Sept 14-16, 2012 - State Festival --Chicago Botanic Garden 

    •     2012 competition rules
        Vendor Application
  • October(all weekends) - Morton Arboretum.  Gourd art vendors and workshops.  Contact Jill and Wes Nelson for details. twofeathers25@yahoo.com

    • The President's Message -- April 5, 2012
     

    Welcome to the Illinois Gourd Society (ILGS) web page. We are glad you are interested in gourds and all the many things that can be done with them! The ILGS is a chapter of the American Gourd Society. We have 7 regions and gourd festivals in the spring and fall, and an outstanding newsletter. Membership is only $10 a year. The membership application is here on our web page. Our state gourd festival is at the Chicago Botanic Garden September 14-16, and will include gourd competition as well as many vendors and workshops. Hope to see you there. Best wishes, Bonnie Cox ILGS President. ilmidwife@comcast.net

            Best wishes,
            Bonnie Cox, ILGS President.  ilmidwife@comcast.net


           Photos from recent events . . .
      tMidwestern Herb and Garden Show at Times Square Mall, in Mount Vernon in February 2012
      tIL NW Regional Festival in Galena, May 2011
      tGreat Gourd Gathering in Arthur, June 2011
      tFall Festival at the Botanic Garden in September 2011
      tLebanon Art Festival in Lebanon, June 2011
     
     
    Want to learn more about gourds? Visit our Gourd Society links page