Exhibitors
The bead & design exhibitor list sets it apart from other events, because each exhibitor is chosen by juried application and by invitation. Having been in the artisanal trades, Show Director Anna K. Johnson, relies on her experience for the insight needed to bring together an extraordinary exhibitor list of established artisans and merchants, as well as recognizing new talent and the best emerging artists.
Each exhibitor is chosen for traditional skills in bead making, textiles, jewelry design, lapidary arts, wearable art, polymer clay, fashion design, embellishments, handwovens, glass making, clay arts, wood carving, handmade cloth, enameling, metalwork, fiber arts, lamp work, and interior décor.
The majority of bead & design artisans are independent trades people, who design and create out of their own workshops. Many are well-known across the country or have international status –while others have spent years developing their hand craft by reviving lost techniques and working with antique tools. Some lamp work beadmakers are legendary for glass skills and for the palette de couleur they have developed.
The show features rarely-exhibited lampwork glass bead masterpieces and hand-crafted artistic polymer and silver clay beads, including a range of contemporary, vintage, and antique beads –alongside handmade accessories and extraordinary products such as hand-dyed silks, felted hats, hand-sewn skirts, hand-woven textiles, kimono fabrics, handmade handbags, and embellished trims –all told over 300 artisan booths, galleries, and merchant displays.
The interlacing of bead & design with artisanship and handwork takes place on many levels and some areas of the Bead Elements and Design Show transform into a studio-like setting where artisans are in residence. Attendees are invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in workshops, classes, and do-it-yourself projects, taught by highly skilled artisans, craftspeople, and beadmakers who work side-by-side with the students.
There are over 100 workshops and design performances to teach and demonstrate techniques such as traditional hand knotting, freeform spinning, polymer clay, soldering, jewelry design, art clay silver, bead making, mixed media, glass pendants, metalwork, wirework, resin jewelry, and color on metal.
Along with its large selection of handmade beads, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and textiles, the bead & design exhibitor list sets Bead Elements and Design Show apart from other events. The exhibitors make it possible for us to present bead & design in a new and dynamic way. Attendees come from across the US and many foreign countries to buy directly from beadmakers, metalworkers, jewelers, gemcutters, hat makers, weavers, and fiber artists. With four intense days of bead & design, Bead Elements and Design Show goes beyond the usual trade show model, by continuously developing and refining its exhibitor list, and by rejecting what is passing and trivial.
Apply To Be An Exhibitor
Since 1992, we have promoted beadmaking and traditional artisanship to a growing clientele. We understand the techniques, materials, skills, tools, hard work, and commitment, which are necessary to be a successful artisan. Many of the artists, artisans, and merchants who have exhibited with us, have increased their market exposure while developing a more profitable client base.
We believe our shows offers exhibitors a dynamic opportunity to expand their business. If you are interested in exhibiting, please apply online or contact. Early reservation is recommended at all shows –exhibit space is often booked a year or more in advance.
