Join Us

Membership in CGS is open to all who wish to join. We encourage individuals and families to participate regardless of where they live. Currently we have about 250 members from all over the Western Hemisphere.

CGS membership dues are $20 and based on a calendar year. Those joining September through December pay $20 (valid through end of following year).

You can pay with your PayPal account or by check.

1. Send check made payable to CGS click on the link Membership Application PDF to: California Gourd Society c/o Olive Moore, MAILING ADDRESS: 333 E. 23rd St., Upland, CA 91784

2. Pay for your membership online with PayPal (only). On the navigation bar click on Membership On-Line Purchase or click this link.

Membership includes "The Golden Gourd" distributed electronically on a quarterly basis.  It is important to make sure we have your correct email address.

Membership applications are processed usually once a month by the Director of Membership, at which time you will receive a Welcome Letter and CGS Membership Card.

If you have any questions email Debbie Zimmermann at: membership@californiagourdsociety.com

The California Gourd Society is a state chapter of the American Gourd Society. For more information on the American Gourd Society contact agsmembership@comcast.net.

Benefits of Membership

The primary benefits of CGS membership are listed below. The group provides a large, state-wide network for sharing information with others of mutual interest about gourd art, techniques, artists and growing. Of course, benefits extend well beyond this list and will vary depending on the level of the individual’s involvement.

  1. The Golden Gourd (electronic only) newsletter highlights artists, provides a schedule of festival classes, tells where CGS is participating in festivals, competitions and events and contains advertisements for gourd-related services and products. All past issues of the Golden Gourd Newsletter are in the Members Only section.

  2. Eligibility to serve on CGS Board as President, VP, Secretary, Director of Membership, Treasurer, Director of Regional Groups (Northern and Southern), or Ambassador at Large (Ambassador #1 and #2).

  3. Attend CGS Patch meetings and participate in their activities.

  4. Eligibility to enter the annual CGS gourd art competitions and displays.

  5. Opportunity to showcase artwork on the website.

  6. Teachers can advertise gourd or related classes in The Golden Gourd and post them on the CGS website.

  7. Valuable exchange of tips and techniques with fellow gourders.

  8. Opportunity to be trained and certified as an American Gourd Society judge.

  9. Participate in occasional members-only State-wide events (retreats or conferences)

  10. Access to password protected Members Only section of the CGS website.