Glass beadmaking is an ancient art that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. Until the latter part of the twentieth century, however, few Americans possessed the technical knowledge to make glass beads. Those few glass artists worked in virtual anonymity and isolation. They used a variety of techniques to create their beads, including lampwork, kiln forming, kiln casting, furnace work, and cold work techniques. The Society of Glass Beadmakers (SGB) was formed in 1993 by a small group of American beadmakers brought together by an exhibit of contemporary glass bead artists at The Bead Museum in Prescott, AZ.