What's Happening in Las Vegas, NV…

Amidst the gigantic electronics, toy, machine, and technology conventions, a smaller, specialized show is coming to Las Vegas.

The Whole Bead Show is the brainchild of Ava Motherwell, who began her career doing trunk shows at hotels and shops, and selling beads at gem shows, gift shows, and at bead societies. However, she was often the only exhibitor selling beads, and felt out of place, and had disappointing sales.

She decided to put together a show specifically for buyers who were searching for beads and put on her first “Ava Motherwell Presents . . .” bead show in Washington D.C. in 1992. There were eight vendors, but the next year she talked with a representative from “Colored Stone Magazine,” who offered to list her in their Show Guide if she did a show.

She obtained financing, and set up a three-day show in Tucson, and found herself overwhelmed with customers who were glad to find someone selling beads. She now organizes numerous Whole Bead Shows throughout the country. When organizers like Ava plan shows like this, they may work with flyer printing to create a handout for shoppers listing the vendors.

The upcoming Whole Bead Show will take place at the Palace Station Hotel, where visitors may find vendors including The Antique Attic; AnglerFish, which offers necklaces illuminated with LEDs, jewelry, sculptures, buttons, lampwork glass beads and more; the Allegory Gallery; Alice Gemstone, AB Gems & Jewels; A Touch of Class, and others. Not all vendors attend every show.