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
 The Illinois Gourd Society- Southern Regional Chapter folks held its regional event
with The Midwestern Herb and Garden Show at Times Square Mall, in Mount Vernon 
in February. Read about the event and see photos here!

  2010 Upcoming Events:

  • May 1 & 2: IL NW Regional Festival at Jacks Grain and Gourds, Durand:  classes and vendors
  • June 5: The Great Gourd Gathering in Arthur: classes and vendors
  • September l7-19: ILGS Fall Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden: vendors, classes,  AGS annual meeting 
  • August 7-8: Colored Pencil Class on Gourds in Peoria. 
  • October, each weekend Fall Color at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle: classes and vendors -- contact:  Jill and Wes Nelson   twofeathers25@yahoo.com 
    • 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 See the fun at a recent "gourd patch" meeting at Sue Cutter's!
            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. 
             We look forward to hearing from you, and hope you will join the ILGS as a member!. 

              Bonnie Cox, ILGS President.  ilmidwife@aol.com