Strung Out

As a child, I was fascinated by rocks and beads and all things small and shiny. As an adult, I've outgrown my old habit of filling my pockets with found stones every time I go for a walk, but I still find handmade artisan beads enchanting. If you, too, delight in glass beadwork's minute details, you'll be dazzled by the 2009 Bead Invitational at PISMO Fine Art Glass, 2770 East Second Avenue, where beads, jewelry and sculpted beadwork will take center stage. An opening reception takes place May 1 at the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m.

Now in its fourth year, the bead show has grown to include more than fifty artists, “and the quality has really increased, as has the international presence,” says gallery owner Sandy Sardella. Thirteen international glass artists are showing their work, and Colorado artists will present glass bead-making demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 3. Individual beads, bead sculptures and fully finished pieces of beaded jewelry will all be for sale, with 10 percent of the proceeds going to Project Mercy, a nonprofit that promotes community development in Ethiopia.

The show runs through May 31; admission to all events is free. For more information, call 303-333-2879 or visit www.pismoglass.com.
May 1-31, 2009