Treaty No. 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba: December 12, 2024 – The Manitoba Museum is ringing in the new year with their first ever Bead-A-Thon, hosted by renowned Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi and the Manitoba Museum’s Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement, Tashina Houle-Schlup.

Taking place Sunday, January 5 from 10 am to 3 pm in the Museum’s Alloway Hall, the Bead-a-Thon will include a day of mini ‘learn-to-stitch’ tutorials, an ‘Artist Open Mic’, and food vendors such as Indigenous, woman-owned businesses Sharecuterie and Anishinaa-Bakes. Attendees will also enjoy pop-up visits from the stunning historical beadwork found in the Museum collection.

“This event is inspired by the grandmothers – the ancestral belongings of the Museum collection. These are works of art that were designed, stitched, beaded, quilled, and sewn by Indigenous women throughout history. Several of these beautiful pieces will be shared with Bead-A-Thon participants at three separate times throughout the day to help fuel their inspiration for their own beadwork,” said Tashina Houle-Schlup, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Museum.

The Bead-a-Thon is an opportunity for beaders of all experience levels to enjoy time with community to share, learn, and bead together. Whether you’re an experienced beader, a keen learner, or have never held a needle, this fundraising event welcomes all to share skills, meet new people, and connect on a personal level with ancestral belongings cared for by the Museum.

“As the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Museum, I often see numerous artists visiting the grandmothers in our collections to examine the materials used, take measurements, and, most importantly, connect with these significant works. This event aims to extend that access to others seeking to connect with their Indigeneity. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for non-Indigenous members of our diverse community to learn more about Indigenous people and cultures, thus fostering an appreciation for our rich history and beautiful way of life,” said Houle-Schlup.

Tickets are on sale now on a ‘pay what you can afford’ scale and a 50/50 draw will close out the day. This inaugural fundraiser will support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All program which offers a wide array of community initiatives including free admission on First Fridays, subsidized supplies and workshop fees for the Museum’s Indigenous art workshop series, and complimentary field trips for children from every corner of Manitoba.

To learn more and to purchase tickets for the Bead-a-Thon click here.

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca