Promotional graphic for the Manitoba Museum's Bead-A-Thon event. Digital art in a floral beadwork-like pattern branches around the right side of the graphic.

Manitoba Museum Bead-A-Thon

The Manitoba Museum Bead-A-Thon is an annual fundraising event held on the first Sunday of January – providing a day for creating, learning, and starting the year in community.

Bringing together existing artists completing projects and beginners learning from their favourite local beaders, the event builds and strengthens community connections. It is an opportunity to visit relatives and new friends, share food and stories, exchange beading tips and tricks, and experience joyful moments.

Every Bead-A-Thon is hosted by an artist who has dedicated time to teaching and mentoring others in the art and practice of beadwork. They’re joined by Beading Buddies, who offer hands-on support, making the space welcoming and accessible for beginners.

To ensure everyone can take part, the Bead-A-Thon is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Check back in December for more details about the upcoming Bead-A-Thon and to register to attend.

Bead-A-Thon Frequently Asked Questions

Flickr album from 2026 Bead-A-Thon

Looking out into a room with a high arched ceiling. Filling the room are people seated around round tables socializing and working on a variety of craft projects.

Hundreds of beaders busy beading at the 2026 Bead-A-Thon!

A group of fifteen people posing together for a group photo in front of a pop-up banner for the Manitoba Museum Bead-A-Thon. Several people are holding enlarged 2D props in the shape of needles and beads.

2025 Beading Buddies with Host 

(Back row; left to right: Lana Gaywish, Hannah Copenace, Lucy Lindell, Gloria Beckman (Host), Tashina Houle-Gaywish (Manitoba Museum Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement), Chanwanpe Shields, Cheyenne Schlup, Sabrina Houle-Schlup; front row; left to right: Claire Johnston, Lily Gautron, Brooke Buchan, Amy McPherson, Beth Hall, Shannon Kalic)

Beaded ancestral belongings on display on a table with an intricate pair of beaded moccasins in the foreground.

Beaded ancestral belongings out for a visit during the Collections Pop-up Sessions.

A Manitoba Museum staff person wearing gloves showing details of ancestral belongings on a table, with a group of people standings together looking at the belongings.

Collections Management Specialist Nancy Anderson leading a Collection Pop-up Session.

Two individuals sitting at a round table. One holds a piece of beadwork and leans forward pointing something out on it to the person seated next to them.

Peer-to-peer support at the 2026 Bead-A-Thon.

Two people seated at a round table in a room full of round places. The person on the right smiles and waves at the camera, as the person on the left smiles towards the first individual.

The lovely renowned Metis artist Jennine Krauchi posing for a photo with attendee.

Close up on a display of beaded earrings for sale.

Many attendees sell their work at their seats or at the designated Buy, Sell & Trade tables.

Looking over a beader's shoulder at the beadwork piece in their hand that they're working on.

Attendees take the time to finish projects at the Bead-A-Thon. If you work best alongside others, you’ll love this event!

An adult and child smiling to the camera as they sit together at a table working on beadwork projects.

Big smiles for beautiful creations!

A smiling beader holds up a piece of beadwork and a mobile device with a inspiration picture on it. Another person seated at the same table smiles towards their beadwork.

Beading Buddy Beth Hall posing with her amazing beadwork creation.

Close up on two pieces of beadwork in progress. One rests on the table and the other is held in hand as an out-of-frame beader works on it.

Beading Buddy Lily Gautron’s incredible beadwork.

A smiling beader poses for a photo holding up a pair of moccasins on their hands.

Attendee with her strikingly stunning beaded split-toe moccasins.

A grey-haired person shows a piece of beadwork to a younger adult seated next to them.

Talented mentee and mentor – Jennine Krauchi, spending a moment to teach Beading Buddy Claire Johnston.

Two beaders seated at a table working on their beadwork projects.

Attendees enjoying each others company.

A group of three smiling people working on beadwork projects as they sit together at a table.

Pure joy amongst this awesome group.

A beader smiles broadly as they hold up a detailed beaded earring.

Happily posing with her earring creation!

A beader smiles as they pose with their beadwork wall pocket.

Attendee proudly posing with her creation.

Three people varying in age from child to older adult sitting together at a round table working on beadwork projects.

Kokum teaching youth – a wonderful sight.

A pop-up coffee shop with a couple people lined up to order.

Más Coffee Company serving up their delicious beverage offerings to our attendees.

Three women smiling together for a photo. The woman on the left wears a Museum branded t-shirt, the woman in centre wears a Museum name tag on a black shirt with a colourful ribbon shirt, and the third woman on the right wears a Museum branded jacket and name tag.

Event coordinators – (left-to-right) Anya Moodie-Foster (Manager of School & Public Programs), Tashina Houle-Gaywish (Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement), and Charwin Dahl (Director of Fund Development).

A person smiles to the camera from behind a table with displaying jewelry and beadwork.

Set up to sell – Attendees have access to Buy, Sell, Trade tables as part of their ticket.

Two people sit side by side at a table each working on beadwork projects.

Beading Buddies & power couple Cheyenne Schlup and Chanwanpe Shields.

Close-up on intricately iced cookies in designs work moccasins, Métis flags, dream catchers, and words saying "Bead-A-Thon 2026".

Sweet and Crafty Creations offering beadwork-inspired cookies.

A woman sitting at a table with an open laptop in front of her and a child standing beside her. Across from the table is a line up of people waiting to check-in.

Director of Learning & Engagement and proud Red River Metis Rachel Erickson with daughter Niamh at the check-in table.

An individual sits at a table demonstrating a beading technique with a group of people standing around observing.

2026 Bead-A-Thon Host Gloria Beckman leading the Mini Learn-to-Stitch tutorials for beginners.

Two women standing together, one in front of a mic on a Manitoba Museum podium and the other, wearing a colourful ribbon skirt and black top, standing to the side.

2026 Bead-A-Thon Host Gloria Beckman and event lead Tashina Houle-Gaywish delivering welcome introductions.