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We are the Mu Chapter of the American Gourd Society

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Our Mission

The Washington State Gourd Society (WSGS) was formed in October of 2007 by a small group of local gourd artists who wanted to promote the craft of gourding in Washington State. 

The purpose of the Washington State Gourd Society is to promote interest, share ideas, learn from others, and teach to all who are interested in the culture, use, history and craftsmanship of the gourds.

The Washington State Gourd Society does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, education, financial status, height, marital status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, weight, or whether you craft in big, small, round, or skinny gourds, this applies to all our activities or educational opportunities.

Upcoming Events

Attention - I have created a new webpage for trading, selling or giving away gourd or art related items. Click on the Trading Post link in the header or footer links on any page of the website and follow the instructions under the title.

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When:              October 4th and 5th, 2008

Where:             Thurston County Fairgrounds ~ located in Olympia, WA

Times:              Undetermined at the moment

Everyone should know by now that the Spring Meeting in Moses Lake was a huge success, but we want to shake things up a bit to keep your interest high!

• At the Fall Meeting we will be offering 2 days of classes, where you will actually learn, hands on, a new technique and should come away with a finished project or two! A complete class schedule, along with the costs, will be out soon and it will be strictly first come, first serve. If you see a class you want to take, don't wait! Sign up and once your check is received you will receive a confirmation letter and/or email. 

• We will have our first election/re-election according to the Constitution and By-laws, by ballot.  If you are not able to make it, you will be able to vote by proxy. Your vote counts!

          Positions that are up for election/re-election are:

          Vice-President

          Membership Secretary

          Webmaster/Editor

          3 Directors Positions (we have two Directors Positions open, as Dar Beck and Charlotte Masi have decided not  

                                           to run again).

          The incumbents that are serving in these positions right now, have decided to stay on the ballot for re-election.  That's

          great, however, the nominations are still open. If you would like to see your name on the ballot, please contact: Kathy

          Myers. Her email address is kbmyers@gmail.com The nominations will be kept open until September 20th.

• We have invited a vendor from California to come up and set up shop. She does great demonstrations and has a lot of supplies we think you would enjoy having. 

• We will also have tools, tutorials and supplies for sale, as we did at the Spring Meeting. A lot of you had asked for certain products, and we listened.. so you should see some new fun stuff! 

• Gourd growers are again invited to come and sell their gourds.

• Of course, the exhibition of amazing finished gourds. 

• We will have information on motels/hotels in the area and hopefully secure a group rate, as we did, again, in Moses Lake.

Stay tuned, but mark your calendars.. Believe it or not, the weather is usually pretty good the first part of October in Western Washington!  Members and non-members are all welcome!

 The WSGS has been invited to participate at The Thurston County Fair

(http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair/default.asp)

This event is separate and before the Fall Meeting

When:              JULY 30 through AUGUST 3

Where:             3054 Carpenter Rd. SE, Olympia, WA  98503

Times:              Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and

                         Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

This is a great opportunity for us and we are asking for volunteers to help us "man" the booth. If you are interested in helping for a shift, please let us know! If you work in the booth, you will be eligible to have your gourds in the booth for exhibition and/or sale! 

• The fair attendance averages 37,000 people! That's a lot of exposure!
• The fairgrounds have campsites. "Dry" tent camping is $40.00 and full hookup are $60.00 (This price is for the duration of the fair, whether you stay one night or five).

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THE TRAVELING GOURD! $1.00 A TICKET OR 6 FOR $5.00.

The Traveling Gourd is now complete and has the art of all 12 Officers and Directors. Purchase them from any board member by sending a check directly to them and they will mail you back your tickets.

The Traveling Gourd will be given away at the FALL Meeting, you need not be present to win.

Check out the finished gourd here:  www.wagourdsociety.org/Traveling-Gourd.htm

"Update on the traveling gourd: "Dotty Cooper has finished the last panel on the Traveling Gourd"

1. Harry Hurley of Fuquay-Varina, NC
2. Karen M. Park of Lynwood, WA

Official Announcement Downloads - Requires

• WSGS Traveling Gourd Ad
• WSGS Wanted Poster
• WSGS Display Poster Full Size
• WSGS Display Poster Half Size
• WSGS Member Business Card

The Washington State Gourd Society is a Non-Profit organization, we accept donations from anyone willing to support the arts and education. You can donate using the PayPal Button below. Thank you for your donation.