Brewster Kaleidoscope Society Expo

The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society (BKS) is a group of artists who design and create kaleidoscopes; the galleries and shops that sell kaleidoscopes; and the collectors and museums that appreciate and enjoy them. Our multi-national membership embodies those who enjoy playing with color. The BKS website both tells the story of the kaleidoscope over the past 200 years and describes the rich history of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society. Here you can learn everything you need to know about how to purchase, collect, appreciate, and construct your own kaleidoscope. Welcome, and Enjoy!

A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument (usually a tube) containing two or more reflecting surfaces (usually mirrors) tilted toward each other in an angle. There are two main forms of kaleidoscope. In the first, objects, typically small pieces of both transparent and opaque materials, are contained in a cell or chamber at one end of the tube. These objects are reflected in a pattern referred to as a mandala. Rotation of the cell causes motion of the objects, resulting in an ever-changing mandala. In the second design, the kaleidoscope’s mandala is created by uses stained glass wheels outside the tube.The artists of today have designed and made a wide variety of stunning art pieces.

Kaleidoscopes vary from artist to artist in how they are made and in what they use to make them, including the following.
- Material - from cardboard and plastic to stained glass, wood, brass, gold, and more (mannequins, periscopes, and garbage cans – brand new ones) have been used.
- Exterior adornments have included paper, jewels, rhinestones, ribbons, metals, shells, and more.
- Cell/object materials may include jewels, charms, glass and plastic beads.
- Sizes have varied from 1 inch (think jewelry – rings, earrings, and necklaces) to 10 feet (sometimes fitting into the wall of a building).
- Mandalas can be made from various mirror systems (typically with 2 to 4 mirrors, but occasionally even more, each of which will have a different image.
- Color combinations vary with the artist. Some artists have a theme for the color (for instance, evening sunset), some match the colors in the cell to the colors on the exterior, and still others just have fun with color!

Artists continue to experiment with mirrors within mirrors and other unique angle and multi-mirror configurations. There are many more images to be created through the unlimited creativity of the artist.

So, with that in mind, come join us at the Double Tree by Hilton, downtown Omaha, on Saturday June 7 from 9am-4pm or Sunday June 8 from 1pm-4pm. Admission is $5 at the door for adults; there is no cost for children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult, students with a school ID, and journalists/media photographers. For more information, and to learn how to become a member, check the BKS website (www.brewstersociety.com).

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