"Convergence" bead exhibit coming to town

There's a great event coming to the Grove tomorrow, and toward the end of the month, it will be a great marketing opportunity for all merchants.

Starting tomorrow, July 4, the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) will be having a showing at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) called "Convergence." This is a juried exhibition project, the pieces are museum quality art. They were created using the elements of air, earth, fire and water as the theme. There were over 140 entries for this one-of-a-kind lampwork and jewelry-design exhibition and 50 are on display at the gallery.

The use of glass, metals, seed beads, semi-precious, fibers, and other materials has resulted in extraordinary creativity, superior artistry, and innovative design. Hours upon hours of detailed work were dedicated to each piece. Through the interweaving of color, form, texture, and line, the Convergence pieces are infused with the energy and spirit found in the four elements.

The pieces will be on exhibit until July 25.

Now this is where the rest of the Grove comes in. On July 24, the ISGB convention will be converging (there's that word again) on the Grove for one night. Sort of a mini pow wow (minus the rain we hope).

An opening reception will be held at the gallery at 7 pm and the 500 or so guests will then be "set free" upon the Grove. They will shop, dine and unwind (on their own money), they will be out there spending.

The merchants are asked to participate by just welcoming them. Know they are here and feel free to offer specials or just do simple things like leave your doors open.

Grove Bucks may enter the scene again. For that one night, merchants may be asked to participate in some sort of Grove Bucks promotion, where the 500 or so guests will use the Bucks as coupons. More on that to come.