The Art of Beadwork Presentation at Odell Public Library

Odell Public Library presents artist Marianne Biagi and “The Art of Bead Work” on Wednesday evening, February 20th, beginning at 6:30 in the library program room. Marianne’s colorful, vibrant and unique pieces of art made from beads, material and thread are not only beautiful but also “tell a story.”

Marianne and Bill Biagi are Chicago natives who moved to Morrison, IL in 2008. They purchased Bob and Barbara Potter’s home on Greenwood Drive. When asked, “Why Morrison?” Marianne said, “We were looking for property within a radius of 150 miles from Chicago, and Morrison seemed the best fit. We liked the property, which we are remodeling, and it had a cottage waiting to be my studio.”

The studio is a light-filled room with clear boxes filled with beads of all colors, varied materials, and contrasting threads. On Marianne’s work table one can always find a “work in progress,” and at the back of the studio is a cozy sitting nook overlooking a wooded ravine.

Marianne’s Chicago work experience has included the Leo Burnett advertising company where she did graphs and charts for media presentations. Her background is advertising and marketing, photography and film. She and her husband Bill worked with local Chicago area companies, including Abbott Labs, ATT&T, Carson Pirie Scott, Com Ed, Kellogg’s and Sears producing TV commercials, executive presentations and new product introductions.

I asked what led her to beading. “It was a spiritual connection, almost God-like. I was exposed to it and the extreme color and intricacy of the beadwork fascinated me. I took a class on a technique, the peyote stitch, and that hooked me.”

Ms. Biagi is the second speaker for “Odell’s Happenings” a series of monthly events ranging over a wide variety of topics and experiences for the entire community. Anne Frame and “An Evening with Shakespeare” was the January offering and the month of March will feature Ned Nesti and “The Giants of Art.”

Marianne is very enthusiastic about her beadwork and her experiences. Come and meet this delightful artist! Come be a part of the happenings: learn and connect! There is no charge for the evening.