Hello and Welcome to our gourd-geous community! At the California Gourd Society (or CGS, as we affectionately call it), we’re a lively bunch of Farmers, Artists, Gardeners, Crafters, Gourd Enthusiasts, and Educators - all united by our passion for hard shell gourds. Whether you’re a seasoned gourd guru or just starting to dip your toes into the world of gourd crafting, we invite you to join us in preserving the rich history and bright future of gourd artistry. As a proud state chapter of the American Gourd Society, we’re dedicated to cultivating knowledge and creativity in our vibrant community. So, don’t be shy - come on in and explore our website! There’s a bounty of resources and inspiration waiting for you, and we can’t wait to see how you’ll contribute to our gourd-tastic journey together!
PLEASE feel free to browse and enjoy our site.
The California Gourd Society.

Our Beginning

Since our roots took hold in 1997 and blossomed with incorporation into the American Gourd Society in 1999, the California Gourd Society (CGS) has cultivated a vibrant community of approximately 300 members across 12 regional gourd groups throughout the Golden State!

Our Mission

Our mission is to nurture creativity and appreciation for hard-shelled gourds (lagenaria) while providing a plethora of charitable and educational activities that engage everyone from enthusiasts to artists and crafters.

Get Involved

If you're near one of our regional groups, why not "gourd" yourself with some hands-on experience? We welcome volunteers of all skill levels, and we promise to teach you everything you need to sprout your gourd art skills! Plus, we’re thrilled to offer free competition opportunities for our budding artists aged 17 and under—what a fantastic chance to showcase your talents without any financial barriers! Don't miss out on being part of this extraordinary community where creativity and collaboration bloom together—join us and let your gourd journey begin today!