Hundreds of beaders expected to gather for Manitoba Museum's Bead-A-Thon fundraiser

Hundreds of beadwork enthusiasts are expected to gather at the Manitoba Museum on Sunday for a Bead-A-Thon fundraiser supporting the museum's community initiatives projects.

Tashina Houle-Gaywish, head of Indigenous programming and engagement at the Manitoba Museum, said about 350 people — many of them beginners and keen learners — attended the first Bead-A-Thon last January.

The museum is expecting another big turnout on Sunday — its third Bead-A-Thon event, following a second that was held in June.

"This time around we also have hundreds of people that want to come out and bead and visit with their favorite artists — and, of course, support the museum," Houle-Gaywish said.

"It's rare to find so many beadwork artists all under the same roof."

Houle-Gaywish said about 15 "beading buddies" will be on site to share their expertise and help attendees learn new skills.

Métis beadwork artist Shannon Tara Kalic, founder of Waabishki Miigwan Creations, went to the first Bead-A-Thon to meet other beaders in the community last January. She went as a beading buddy for the second event in June and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge again on Sunday.

"I'm really excited to just be meeting with community in person," Kalic said.

She has previously worked in museums and has a background in museum education, and said the Bead-A-Thon is a great way to bring two of her passions together.

"I just love [the] Manitoba Museum. I appreciate the history that they keep alive for us and the education they provide. And so I love the combining of both those worlds," she said.

Proceeds from the Bead-A-Thon will go toward the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All program, which helps fund a wide range of community initiatives, including free admission on the first Friday of each month and complimentary field trips for Manitoba children.

Those who do not have beading supplies can purchase a beading kit with registration, the museum's website says.

Houle-Gaywish said the Bead-A-Thon aims to bring communities together during the cold winter months, while participating in an artform that features prominently at the Winnipeg museum.

"A huge portion of our collections include Indigenous ancestral belongings," she said.

"There's so much historical beadwork in our collections, and having an event like this and bringing together all of these wonderful beadworkers is important, because it shows our community."