The Beaded Figure
April 1, 2005 - May 15, 2005
Beads have been fashioned into decorative and symbolic patterns since the dawn of human civilization. They can be made of materials that range from stone and shell to glass and synthetics. Over the course of the past quarter century, beads have been rediscovered by contemporary artists and used to create the structures and surfaces of three-dimensional objects. A wide variety of flora and fauna, and the human figure in particular, have been inspirations for bead workers around the world.
This exhibition brings together figural works, both human and animal, that are whimsical, poignant, and enchanting. Taken as a whole, these works underscore the vibrancy of beadwork today and the diversity of approaches to using beads taken by artists from throughout the United States .
The Beaded Figure is the fourth in a series of juried biennial exhibitions organized by
Beadwork magazine. The jury consisted of Janet Kay Skeen, Connie Lehman and Dustin Wedekin. Best in Show was awarded to Kim Longhi for
Eternally Yours. Presented as a complement to the juried show, a selection of beaded works from the permanent collection illustrates the Museum¹s commitment to the medium.