The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society (BKS) was founded in 1986 by Cozy Baker as an international organization for kaleidoscope enthusiasts. Named after the inventor of the kaleidoscope, Sir David Brewster, its purpose is to share and promote the beauty, creativity, and joy of these mirrored tubes of magic. It serves as a network linking kaleidoscope artists, collectors, and retailers. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, an annual convention, regional meetings, and a house/museum, maintained for members and open by appointment only.

Kaleidoscopes developed into an important new art form as an unprecedented renaissance began in the late 1970s. It gained momentum in the 1980s with an article in the November, 1982 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, followed by the publication in 1985 of the first book on the subject, Through the Kaleidoscope, by Cozy Baker. At the same time Cozy curated the world’s first exhibition of kaleidoscopes at Strathmore Hall Arts Center in Bethesda, Maryland. One year after this exhibition, Cozy founded the Brewster Society.

More about Cozy Baker.

In 2003, the directorship of the BKS was handed over to Charles Karadimos, Sherry Moser and Carolyn Bennett, three widely known and well-respected kaleidoscope artists who were active in the BKS since its inception. Owing to their previous knowledge of the workings of the organization, the transition was a smooth one.

In 2009, Carolyn Bennett and Sherry Moser retired from the directorship of the BKS. Charles Karadimos stayed on and was joined by Kevin Kohler and Bob Sabath. Currently, Charles Karadimos and Bob Sabath continue as directors.

Message from the Directors:
From the outset of the kaleidoscope renaissance, the two of us have been involved in The Brewster Society and in the developing kaleidoscope movement. Bob has been a long time member and collector. Charles, an artist, has managed the organizational structure of early exhibits and conventions and continues to assist in those responsibilities. His primary responsibility currently is publishing the newsletter. 

It has been an exciting time in the world of kaleidoscopes. Artists were developing a new art form, reinventing artistic techniques long forgotten and pushing the limits with new mirror configurations. The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society remains the hub of this movement. We hope that this special time will be sustained. Our goals are to continue to promote kaleidoscopes and kaleidoscope artists. We want to encourage artist's continued growth in their respective mediums, to encourage new artists, to develop new markets, seek new galleries, develop new collectors, and continue to provide our collectors with exciting new work.

Membership benefits include:

A quarterly newsletter keeps you up to date on who’s who and what’s what in the world of kaleidoscopes as well as where to attend exhibitions, shows and regional Brewster meetings. Receive information on the newest work of nationally recognized kaleidoscope artists each issue in the form of our "Scoops on Scopes" pages. Ad space in the BKS newsletter. An annual convention which: provides a venue for meeting artists and fellow enthusiasts, sharing ideas, learning and previewing newly created kaleidoscopes. hosts a kaleidoscope exhibit for purchasing scopes. features an unveiling event for artists to show their newest work to collectors and retailers. holds a wholesale buyer’s show for retailers to place orders with artists and meet new artists. provides retailers with the opportunity to spend time with an enthusiastic audience of collectors who attend the convention offers classes from respected international kaleidoscope artists. Access to the special Members Only area of the BKS website As members, artists and retailers are invited to link their web site to the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society and will receive a reciprocal link in return, as well as a listing on the Artist or Galleries page. This is a great resource for collectors.

The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society is a unique organization which provides a forum for artists, collectors and retailers to promote and perpetuate kaleidoscopes as an art form. There is a remarkable camaraderie among the caring and sharing members of this unique organization, and active members agree that the biggest benefit of all is the strong bonding and close friendships that are formed.

If you are interested in joining, click on Join the BKS.

To learn about the history of the kaleidoscope, click on History.

For membership or convention information, contact the BKS.