[photo credit: Pasadena Bead & Design Show]
The Pasadena Bead & Design Show, running January 16–18, represents far more than a marketplace for jewelry enthusiasts. It’s a three-day convergence of global artisanship where artists reconnect, new makers discover their craft, and visitors experience the energy behind artisan design.
Three hundred carefully vetted exhibitors will showcase handcrafted beads, art jewelry, gemstones, hand-dyed silks, hand-tooled leather, felted hats, and eco-dyed clothing. Exhibitors are invited and juried, ensuring a blend of traditional and contemporary artisans and wholesale suppliers. Some vendors extend wholesale pricing to registered buyers.
Since founder Anna Johnson established Bead & Design shows in 1992, the brand has drawn 2,500 artisans and tradespeople from 50 countries. Garan-Beadagio, LLC, the Nevada City–based company that took over production in 2005, has cultivated one of the West Coast’s defining annual gatherings for the creative community.
Daily workshops cover jewelry design, wirework, gemstone work, bead making, art clay silver, mixed media, chainmaille, and enameling, taught by leading designers and craftspeople at all skill levels.
The Pasadena Convention Center sits at 300 E Green Street, 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Parking runs $15 for self-parking, though street parking starts at $2. Admission costs $10 at the door or $8 in advance online, with tickets valid for all three days. Children 17 and under enter free.
Pasadena Bead & Design Show will run on Friday–Sunday, Jan. 16–18 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101. For more information, call (888) 747-1123 or visit https://www.beadanddesign.com/shows/pasadena.php. Ticket prices: $8 in advance online, $10 at the door (valid all three days). Children 17 and under admitted free.
