Leana (Gloade) Kennedy showing her desisgns at a recent show she attended in New York.

The very first Maritime Bead Festival is taking place in Truro, Friday through Sunday, May 18-20 at the newly renovated Holiday Inn & Convention Centre. This event is a celebration of all things “beadiful”, in bead craft and design, featuring Maritime artisans, instructional workshops as well as wholesale and retail sellers from across Canada.

“We wanted the show to really represent bead craft and design in Eastern Canada”, says show organizer Leana (Gloade) Kennedy of Millbrook. Co-organizer, Lynn Thornton, Truro adds, “Mi’kmaq bead work is uniquely Maritime, so it seemed very natural to feature it.”  Along with bead craft suppliers from across Canada and instructional workshops being offered through out the three days, the show will also include finished jewellery and bead craft art from several local artisans.

Kennedy, who also operates as “Mimikej Accessories” will have her original beaded jewellery designs at the show as will fellow Millbrook resident and authentic Mi’kmaq beadwork artist, Valerie Julian-Meader. Meader is well know in the area for her beaded pipe bags and framed art work.

By bringing the artists, designers, teachers and suppliers together under one roof, the Maritime Bead Festival will be a terrific networking opportunity for all of those with the “need to bead”. The show is open to everyone and organizers are encouraging first-timers and hobbyists to come out and try a class and Maritime businesses might be interested in looking at wholesale opportunities. This show promises to have something for everyone!

If you would like more information or details about the Maritime Bead Festival you can check it out at www.facebook.com/maritimebeadfestival or email Leana at mimikejclothing@hotmail.com