The Bead Museum~Summer Programs
Visit The Bead Museum as they showcase the cultures and countries around the Mediterranean Sea to discover their bead stories and bring them to life.

A Touch of the Agean
Uncover the origins of beads in ancient Greek culture and make a bracelet using contemporary Greek ceramic beads.
Saturday July 12, 10 a.m. to Noon
Thursday July 31, 6 to 8 p.m.


Space is limited so register today. $10 per person for adults & children; 10 years and over. Not recommended for children under 10. The Bead Museum is located at 5754 W. Glenn Drive. For more information, call 623-931-2737 or visit www.beadmuseumaz.org

Prayer Shawl Workshop – August 9, 2008

The Bead Museum will host a workshop by internationally known artists and author Eleanor Wiley on August 9, 2008. The Bead Museum will also host a free lecture from Eleanor Wiley August 7, Thursday, separate from the workshop. Call Today, Space is limited: 623-930-7395

Free Lecture
Thursday, August 7, 2008
6:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Workshop
Saturday, August 9, 2008
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $80 per person

Since 1994, Eleanor Wiley has been creating contemporary prayer beads that have been exhibited throughout the United States and Europe.  She has given personal prayer beads to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Fr. L Freeman, O.B.S., founder of the World Community for Christian Meditation, Ram Das, Oprah, Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, Larry Dossey, MD and many others.  During the lecture on Friday night, Wiley will discuss her quest for peace.

Wiley teaches experiential workshops supported by her 18 year meditation practice and knowledge gained from studies with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, David Steindl-Rast, O.B.S., work with the Balkan Youth Reconciliation Seminar Series and The Parliament of the World’s Religions.  Her work celebrates the universal use of beads in prayer and as a tactile reminder in the practice of being present in the moment.  Her workshops are a non-denominational approach for people of all ages to discover and uncover their own creativity and create a personal grounding tool that they can use in their search for the divine. 

In the workshop Prayer Shawl, participants will draw from traditions throughout the world to unearth why two-thirds of the world’s population use prayer beads to support prayer in daily life.  In this workshop we will explore the ways in which holding and wearing beads can support personal prayer.  The process of creating personal prayer pieces will become a meditation and open each participant’s creative spirit.  Special beads and amulets will be available for purchase during the workshop but participants are encouraged to bring their own as well.

Museum Information

The Museum Store boasts an exotic array of beads from throughout the world plus bead supplies, finished jewelry pieces, art beads, and books on culture and adornment.  Beading classes are offered regularly.  Here is an excellent opportunity to tap into your creativity.  You will be delighted to discover that bead arts also bring time for reflection and meditation.

Located in historic downtown Glendale, the Bead Museum can be found at 5754 W. Glenn Drive, one block north of Glendale just east of 58th Avenue.

Governor Janet Napolitano dubbed The Bead Museum “one of Arizona’s treasurers” and it’s certainly a unique and engaging summer destination – a rare and internationally known repository for beads, the small objects that have been a universal part of human experience since the beginning of civilization!  Come visit. 

Museum Admission:
$5 for Adults
$2.50 for Children 4-12
Free to members of The Bead Museum
Free on Thursday nights between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Free on Sundays through Labor Day
Guided Tours are $8 for Adults and $6 for children and youth (includes a make & take art activity). 

Expanded press information and images available upon request.

Museum and Store Hours:
Monday—Saturday 10 AM—5 PM
Open late on Thursday nights until 8 PM
Sunday 11 AM—4PM