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Where: 3340 E. Michigan St., directly east from the Gem Mall, which is south of Ajo and east of Country Club. See photo below.
 
(So when you walk out the east side of Gem Mall across the street, you'll see the banners and signs; follow them to the Bead Renaissance building, which is the large white one in the back.)
2009 update: Unfortunately, this show, like the Manning House show, suffers from lack of vendors. There were maybe 15; two silver vendors, two African bead vendors, several bead vendors, a vintage bead vendor, flamework bead vendors, and others. The Venetian glass vendor, fabric bags vendor, preserved leaves vendor, jewelry books, and free magazines (or Arizona Bead Dog did not notice)were not there. The show is less than half the size it was last year, which is a shame because it was a nice show in 2008. But, as with the Manning House show, there are some interesting vendors here, and it won't take much to stop in and have a look. Arizona Bead Dog, for example, found just the exact beads needed to finish a bracelet.
What: [2008 review.] A bead show with a nice mix of lampwork, Venetian glass (at very competitive prices), ceramic, raku, vintage, blown glass, antique, seed beads, fabric trim, unusual and beautiful fabric tool bags, leather strands, precious and semi-precious strands, vintage brass findings, sterling silver (one vendor's offering price was .85 cents per gram), some finished jewelry, African trade beads, natural stone beads, 24K-gold preserved leaves, buttons, tools, jewelry-making books, and other unusual beads and items. This venue also had available free beading magazines and a bag to carry them in! One vendor offers jewelry-making classes. If you liked this show, you should also visit three other public shows, the Whole Bead Show, The Best Bead Show, and To Bead True Blue. Bead Renaissance is also a wholesale show, so have your credentials ready if you're buying for your business.
This show also offers classes. A friend of Arizona Bead Dog, who dabbles in wire-wrap, silver work, glass work, and bead stringing, attended one of the classes and thought it was well-taught.
Inside or Out: Inside a large, clean building with lots of elbow room.
Parking: This venue has its own lot; but it can fill up quickly. If it's full when you arrive, you may have to park at the Gem Mall and either walk or catch a shuttle.
Food: Arizona Bead Dog did not notice a food vendor in 2008, but it's possible one eventually set up there; Arizona Bead Dog visited this show's rainy opening. The Gem Mall food court is relatively close by from here, and there may also be a food vendor at JG&M's venue directly west.
NOTE: Unless you have a buyer badge, however, the Gem Mall food court is not available. Arizona Bead Dog did see a hotdog vendor nearby at the JGM Show, which is located inbetween this show and Gem Mall.
Restrooms: On premises.
2009 dates: Opening day is Monday, February 2nd and runs 7 more days until Monday, February 9th.
Show hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Friday, February 5, which has extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Shuttle route: To be determined.
For additional information: www.beadshow.com.
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