Thank you for your interest in attending the Manitoba Museum Bead-A-Thon! Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
The Museum does not have its own parking lot and does not provide on-site parking. Participants may use nearby paid parking lots or street parking, which is free on Sundays.
For additional options, please visit parkopedia.
Please use the Main Street entrance, as our Rupert Avenue entrance is under construction. Accessibility ramps are available at the Main Street entrance to the Foyer level.
Visit our construction webpage to find maps and entrance directions.
Doors to Alloway Hall open at 10:00 am for all Bead-A-Thon registrants.
If you are a Beading Buddy, please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
When you arrive, visit the check-in tables near the entrance of Alloway Hall. Staff will check you in and provide your beading kit (if purchased).
There is no assigned seating unless you requested accessibility accommodations or a beginner seat with a Beading Buddy.
- Beginners requesting a Beading Buddy should look for seats labeled ‘Reserved’.
- Large groups requesting to sit together should notify staff during check-in.
- Participants with accessibility needs will have a reserved seat with their name on it. If you need help finding your seat, a staff member or volunteer will be happy to assist.
The Beading Buddies are here to support our beginner beaders throughout the day. They can offer light guidance, helpful tips and tricks, and plenty of good stories and good vibes. This year, we’re excited to have 16 Beading Buddies, each with their own table. If you have requested to sit with one of them, keep an eye out for their sign and reserved seating labels.
The Beading Kit, thoughtfully created by the talented Cynthia Boehm, includes a pattern and all the essential materials to create a stunning pin cushion. This beginner-friendly project not only inspires creativity but also results in a useful piece you can carry with you on your beading journey.
Alloway Hall is the Museum’s large event space located just to the right of the Main Street entrance, adjacent to the Foyer.
Please note: The Museum Foyer is currently under construction. Signage and staff will guide you through the current layout.
The Artist Open Mic gives participants an opportunity to share their beadwork/art, websites/social media, accomplishments, and more!
Participants who wish to share are welcome to use the Artist Open Mic at any time except during Gloria’s tutorial times (10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm).
Yes! You are welcome to sell your beadwork or other art to participants.
We offer:
- A small stage during Artist Open Mic
- Buy, Sell & Trade tables open to all participants
Space is first-come, first-served. Please ensure that you share the space fairly, keep the area tidy, and clean up when you are finished.
Important:
The Manitoba Museum is not responsible for damage, loss, theft, breakage, or any liability related to selling or sharing your products. Vendors assume all responsibility for their items and transactions.
Yes! We’re excited to have several Indigenous woman-owned businesses joining us as food vendors:
Participants may also:
- Bring their own lunch
- Have food delivered
- Purchase from vending machines or use water fountains outside Alloway Hall
Yes! Más Coffee will be onsite with a pop-up coffee cart all day offering open access
- Cappuccinos
- Lattes
- Americanos
- Mocha and Hot Chocolate
- Tea Lattes (Chai and London Fog)
- An assortment of tea bags
Guests are welcome to enjoy complimentary beverages of their choice during the event.
Gloria Beckman, our talented host, will lead 20-minute beginner-friendly beading tutorials three times during the event. These tutorials will be at a designated table, and attendees can choose to join any or all of the sessions.
A QR code linking to a video by Jennine Krauchi will also be available at each table.
Tutorial times:
- 10:30 am
- 12:30 pm
- 1:30 pm
Led by Tashina Houle-Gaywish (Head of Indigenous Learning & Engagement, Manitoba Museum) and Gloria Beckman, these sessions bring out beautiful, beaded ancestral belongings from the Manitoba Museum Collections for close-up (glove-only) viewing.
Pop-Up Times:
- 11:00 am
- 1:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
Each session includes multiple small groups with limited time to ensure everyone can participate. Please sign up for a time slot at check-in.
If you require accessible seating or other accommodations, please contact Tashina Houle-Gaywish at THouleGaywish@ManitobaMuseum.ca.
Reserved seating with your name will be provided.
Food vendors do not operate allergen-free kitchens. We cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contact.
If you have a non-severe allergy and wish to purchase food, please email Tashina at least one week in advance to explore possible accommodations.
You can promote the Bead-A-Thon on your social media, website, and e-newsletters before, during, and after the event.
Be sure to tag us @ManitobaMuseum on Facebook or Instagram, and use:
#TMMBeadAThon
#MyMBMuseum
10:00 am – Doors open to Alloway Hall
10:25 am – Welcome & Housekeeping
10:30 am – Mini Learn-to-Stitch Tutorial (Gloria)
11:00 am – Collections Pop-Up
12:30 pm – Mini Learn-to-Stitch Tutorial (Gloria)
1:00 pm – Collections Pop-Up
1:30 pm – Mini Learn-to-Stitch Tutorial (Gloria)
2:00 pm – Collections Pop-Up
2:45 pm – 50/50 Draw
3:00 pm – Event concludes
Artist Open Mic is available anytime except during tutorial times.
Food vendors will remain onsite until they sell out. Más Coffee will be available during the entirety of the event.
Still have questions?
All inquiries, questions, and concerns can be directed to:
Primary Contact, Tashina Houle-Gaywish
Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement
Email: THouleGaywish@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Phone: 204-988-0642
Secondary Contact (if Tashina is unavailable), Anya Moodie-Foster
Manager of School & Public Programs
Email: AMoodieFoster@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Phone: 204-988-0688
We look forward to spending a beautiful day of beading and learning with you!