Trajectories:  Progressions in Contemporary Art Glass Beads

Trajectories was an exhibition that explored the evolution of contemporary glass beadmaking, showcasing both early and recent work of beadmaking artists. The exhibition was jointly hosted by the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and The Bead Museum, Glendale, Arizona and membership in the ISGB was not required for participation.

The Bead Museum is the home of over 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts. Its mission is to promote the appreciation of the historical, cultural and artistic significance of beads, ornaments and related objects from ancient, ethnic and contemporary cultures. By educating the public, exhibitions, and published research about the bead and its significance, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum furthers bead studies and serves as a permanent safe haven for beads and beaded objects. Founded by Gabrielle Liese in Prescott, Arizona in 1986, The Bead Museum was expanded and relocated to downtown Glendale in 1999.

To commemorate The Bead Museum's 20th Anniversary and it's catalyzing role in the formation of the ISGB, the organizations built upon their historical relationship to mount a joint exhibition that explored the creative and technological advances in this art form since the early work of the founding members of ISGB.

Trajectories opened at The Bead Museum in Glendale on September 15, 2006. Following its close on March 16, 2007, the exhibit travelled to selected locations across the US.

This exhibition showed the diversity of this art form, representing artists who have a significant history with the glass art bead movement who create beads by all methods including lampwork, sculptural lampwork, furnace work and kiln formed.
 

To see a Flipbook album of all of the submitted works, click here.