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Mana Beads - Spring Beading Contest & Fundraiser

We often comment on how, given the same set of beads, every artist executes their own vision of beadwork, unique and separate from all the rest. It is a testament to personal expression and creativity.

In this spirit, we would like to present our 2nd annual beading contest. Artists will be given a set amount of time (about 2 months) and a prescribed set of beads as a starting point to create their own entry, using any variety of beading techniques.

Contest Guidelines

Contest begins on January 15, 2008 and continues through March 16, 2008. All bead work should be performed within this time line. Please do not submit any work that was done before January 15, 2008.

All bead work must be done solely by the stated contestant. No collaborations will be accepted.

Contestants will choose one inspiration kit. Each kit contains a similar set of beads in different color schemes.

Entry fee is $5.00 and includes the cost of the required kit.

Contestants must use at least 50% of the kit in their finished creation. They may also add as many other beads and materials as they like.

Contestants can choose between two categories, “wearable” (such as jewelry, textiles, etc.) and “non-wearable” (sculpture, home décor, etc), or enter a separate piece in both. One entry will be allowed per contestant per category. One Grand Prize winner will be chosen from both categories; first, second and third place winners will be chosen from each category (see prizes listed below).

Finished creations must be submitted by 5:00pm, Sunday, March 16, 2008.

Submissions must be accompanied by a completed application. Please provide a display stand if you like.

Submissions will not be shown publicly until the day of the prize announcement.

Refreshments and treats will be available at our social gathering to announce the winners beginning at 7pm on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at Mana Beads in Nevada City. Winners do not need to be present, but it would be more fun!

Contestants can choose to sell their piece and can set the desired price. Submissions for sale will be displayed in Mana Beads for two weeks starting Thursday, March 20, 2008. If a piece is offered for sale, a minimum of 50% of the selling price will go to the Neighborhood Center for the Arts, a non-profit center for artists with disabilities. Contestants may donate a higher percentage if they prefer. The balance of the selling price will go to the contestant and will be paid at the end of the event.

Submissions can be picked up from Mana Beads anytime after the prize announcement and MUST be picked up by April 6, 2008. Submissions that are not picked up by that date will be considered abandoned and Mana Beads will not be held responsible for those entries.

Mana Beads will not be held responsible for any damage to submissions resulting from poor construction or inadequate support or display.

Judging will be based equally on the following criteria:

Technical beading skill

Use of kit

Use of color

General aesthetics

Originality and creativity

Grand Prize (Best in Show): $100 Gift Certificate & $50 cash

First Place, Wearable: $75 Gift Certificate

First Place, Non-Wearable: $75 Gift Certificate

Second Place, Wearable: $50 Gift Certificate

Second Place, Non-Wearable: $50 Gift Certificate

Third Place, Wearable: $25 Gift Certificate

Third Place, Non-Wearable: $25 Gift Certificate

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