The Society of Glass Beadmakers (SGB) was formed in 1993 by a small group of American beadmakers brought together by an exhibit of contemporary glass bead artists at The Bead Museum in Prescott, AZ. SGB's founders united to establish an organization dedicated to promoting the growth and recognition of glass beadmaking by facilitating communication and mentoring among members and educating the public about the process of beadmaking and the artistic value of glass beads. One of the primary goals of ISGB has been to foster the rebirth of ancient glass beadmaking traditions through the sharing of techniques and information among both members and the public. Interest in ISGB has grown rapidly and today well over 1600 members participate Internationally. Members of a large network of glass beadmakers share techniques in an effort to promote their own work as well as the contemporary glass bead movement itself.