Community
The Blue Bead Community consists of a wide variety of artists, musicians, storytellers and more who all believe in art for a cause. In addition to their own careers, each of the following creators have offered their talents in support of the workings of The Blue Bead.
In addition, the many volunteers and believers, who join us on our adventures, make it possible to make a difference and to create positive change in the world. This is done both in person, volunteering at events and for builds, as well as online, through our Patreon Community. A place where we offer inside glimpses, information, art, even recipes, that you won't find anywhere else.
We hope you'll join as we discover even more ways to Teach, Heal and Bless.
Our Creatives
Bethalynn Bajema
Mixing equal parts Victorian horror, sepia erotica, clockwork logic and Industrial music for her art, Bethalynne's images are each a window into a story, a visual sample of Bethalynne's extensive library of original fiction and love of graphic novels. She currently resides in Ohio with her husband and four cats.
Myke Amend
Myke Amend is an artist, a full stack web developer and a weaver of worlds. His exquisitely executed fantasy artworks are both surreal and serene. Many have been created for groups such as Abney Park, Vernian Process, Steampunk Tales and more. He currently resides in Southern Ohio with his wife and four fur-babies.
Cassie Truskowski
An entertainer, dancer, burlesque queen & business woman. Cassie founded & manages the Daredevil Circus, a premiere event entertainment and cirque style production company. She is a stanch advocate of women's rights & body positivity. A mom to two girls & various pets, all residing in Michigan.
Bethany Grenier
Artist, hairdresser and writer, Bethany Grenier has been making art in various mediums for over thirty years. Her work spans multiple mediums but always focusing on archetypal imagery and women’s issues with an overarching theme of catharsis and healing. Bethany resides with her husband & cats in West Michigan.
Gabriel Henriott-Jauw
Gabe is always up to date on the latest technology. He enjoys gaming and building custom computers and keyboards. He is a basketball enthusiast, who also studies politics and world events. Gabe is the creator of The Blue Bead Logo, our IT Guy and Social Media Strategist. He currently resides in Michigan.
Katie Grace Hammond
Katie is a multidisciplinary artist & self described Cat Lady, who continuously aspires to be an ethical human being. Her work with glass included making replicas of the original Dutch Trade Bead that inspired The Blue Bead name. Katie lives with her partner in an old hippie house where the original peace poles were made.
Beth Peart Weekes
Beth has been active in the Ifa-Orisa community of Toronto, Ontario, since 2006. She is an artist who works primarily as a maker of regalia and ritual objects for the Diasporic Ifa-Orisa community, In addition, she is a potter & pottery instructor. Beth is also the academic Canadian Representative of the Fakeye Yoruba Arts Dynasty
Future Blue Bead Artisan!
We hope that you will continue to watch as we grow and consider joining our community! If you have a specific gift or talent to share paired with an idea to raise awareness or bring focus to a cause, we would love to know. There are opportunities for local, non-local and even international creatives. Together we are stronger.
Our Angels
We at The Blue Bead are always both humbled and inspired by those who go above and beyond in their donations of time or resources. Here we acknowledge those who have given in extraordinary ways. We appreciate you!
Mike Hintz
Boyd Bradshaw
David Sterken
Delight Lester
Larry Gephart
Lorain Smalligan
Ted Bergin