The Idaho Gourd Society’s mission statement is to unify gourd growers with all crafters and artists and make available to the public education venues in order to promote gourd appreciation.
General membership meetings are held on the second Saturday monthly. The Board of Directors meets at various times during the year and all members are welcome to attend. Patches meet at various times and locations.
President’s Message » By Liz Meyer, 1-16-2012
- Attend meetings & workshops.
- Broadcasts & Newsletters.
- Crafting & growing supply referrals.
- Exchange ideas with other gourd artists.
- Participate in various public projects.
- Display your gourds in group displays at libraries & community centers.
- Participate in seed swaps.
- Receive growing instructions & tips as well as learn gourd handling safety precautions.
Beginners to Advanced--Gourd carving is rewarding and fun. Be sure to exercise proper cautionary steps when carving such as wearing a dust mask or respirator.
Nearly any media can be used on gourds, even watercolor paint. Use spray fixative between coats or layers to prevent washing away of paint. Spray seal when complete.
Happy New Year!!! to all my fellow "Gourders" and friends. I consider you all friends because I know that you are caught up in the tendrils of the gourd plant just as surely as I am-and isn't it fun! I hope that you are looking forward to 2012 as much as I . We started off the year with a Board Meeting on Jan 6 and are looking at some exciting alternatives to the way things have been done in the past. Hopefully, the things we are contemplating will make our workshops more efficient and meaningful to your gourd art. Many states with Gourd Societies have 2 or more general meeting per year with all workshops done in Patches. The IGS has grown to over 100 members and it is difficult to teach to the numbers of individuals who attend the monthly meetings. With this in mind, the IGS Board voted to present to the general membership a proposal that we go to two general meetings per year to be held in August-to plan the Gourd Festival-and in January for elections. The by-laws would be changed to reflect this. Two additional Patches would be forming, one of which would be held at our present Woodcraft location. Volunteers have already stated they would be willing to take on the leadership of these Patches. The other Patch would be held at the present Kuna location. All Patches would have a schedule on the web with the workshops listed that they will be having so the membership can attend any of interest to them. They would also have a liaison person to work with the Board. Two of the patch meetings would be during the day and the remainder in the evening. Please give this your consideration and we will be voting on it at the Feb. meeting.
That reminds me, the workshop in February will be on a new product for gourd crafters-Fantasy Film (which has been used by scrappers and stampers in the past) and will be taught be Caryn Nicolosi. Look for more information on this under Workshops on our website. If you have other ideas for workshops please let one of the Board Members know and we will see what we can do. Also, consider the possibility of teaching a Workshop yourself-it's fun to do and a good way to really learn a technique.
Look for us in the Meridian Library in February. If you have something you would be willing to display, bring it to the Library On Feb. 1st at 10:00. Any questions-call me at 461-2021.
We have been getting interest from other parts of the state about starting Gourd Patches-one in Pocatello . The IGS does provide funds to assist with new Patches forming and we hope they can get going. Alan Sweeney will be going down there this weekend to teach chipcarving, so "good luck", Alan.
Remember-we have a Newsletter ! Carla Arnold and Jim Petty have taken on this task this year and they need our help. If you have learned something of interest to other gourders be sure to pass it on to Carla or Jim and they'll get it in the newletter. Also, they need pictures of past gourd meetings if you have any.
Keep in touch and "happy Gourding". Liz
Parking at Woodcraft is available at the rear of the building. We are able to enter through a door at the rear, too. Ring the doorbell if the door is locked. It is very convenient and easier to carry our items right into the meeting area. Also, this frees up parking in front for Woodcraft customers.
Get your copy of the 2012 the Idaho Artistry In Wood Association guidelines booklet by clicking here.
After serving IGS for many years, Chris Peters has resigned as webmaster in order to focus on other endeavors. We are seeking a new webmaster. If you are interested in this position, or know someone who is, please contact Liz Meyer or one of the other Board members.