From Caves to Castles:
If Beads Could Talk
Opens September 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Catherine Spear
R&R Partners
480.317.6067
catherine.spear@rrpartners.com

Glendale Bead Museum welcomes “From Caves to Castles” exhibit
New exhibit opens Sept. 24

GLENDALE, ARIZ. (Sept. 11, 2009) – Catch a glimpse of prehistoric life on earth with the Glendale Bead Museum’s new exhibit, “From Caves to Castles: If Beads Could Talk.” This collection of ancient beads from the private collection of museum founder Gabrielle Liese has never before been on display and will be opening to the public with a kickoff fundraiser to be held at the museum on Thursday, September 24.

“From Caves to Castles” covers Prehistory (early hominid-caveman era) until the end of the Islamic Period (1400 AD) and probes the question of why beads are an important pathway to understanding human culture. From the simple shell beads of early hominids to the complex glass beads of the Islamic era, visitors will experience the bead story from around the globe and through time. Significant events and turning points in history will be explored from the perspective of beads.

“From Caves to Castles will take our visitors on an exhilarating journey,” says Executive Director Kelly Norton. “We cannot wait to share this exhibit with the public.”

The exhibit will use architectural effects like a pyramid, tombs, and archaeological dig, cave art, philosophers and rulers. It will also be presented with humor and interactive whimsy (If this bead could talk-the stories it would tell!)

The Bead Museum is the first and largest museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, and interpretation of beads and related artifacts. Its mission is to foster the appreciation and understanding of the global historical, cultural and artistic significance of beads and related artifacts by means of collection, documentation, preservation, education and exhibition. Its goals are to serve as a permanent repository for beads, beaded art and related books and publications. Housing more than 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts, The Bead Museum takes visitors on a journey of discovery of various world cultures, history, geography, anthropology and of course, art. Located at 5754 West Glenn Drive in Glendale, Arizona, The Bead Museum offers guided tours, beading classes, educational workshops and an extensive research library. For more information, please call 623-931-2737 or visit online at www.beadmuseumaz.org.

***
 

The Bead Museum will open a stunning new exhibition in mid-September entitled From Caves to Castles:If Beads Could Talk  This exhibition showcases the incredible, global array of ancient beads from the private collection of The Bead Museum founder, Gabrielle Liese.  

This exhibition covers the time frame from Prehistory (early hominid-caveman) until the end of the Islamic Period (1400 AD) and explores the question of why beads are an important pathway to understanding human culture.  From the simple shell beads of early hominids to the complex glass beads of the Islamic era, visitors will experience the bead story from around the globe and through time.  Significant events and turning points in history will be explored from the perspective of beads.

The exhibit will use architectural effects like a pyramid, tombs, and archaeological dig, cave art, philosophers and rulers. It will also be presented with humor and interactive whimsy (If this bead could talk-the stories it would tell!)

From Caves to Castles:If Beads Could Talk will provide excellent opportunities for programming to local schools.  Beads, being tactile and accessible, open the minds of young and old alike to facilitate learning about the people and history of the world.  A lecture series and workshops will be available to the general public.