Vivian Newkirk
Jewelry Designer

Vivian Newkirk, a native Mississippian, taught high school English and Spanish.  Upon
retirement she enrolled in creative writing at a private college.  Her introduction to art came as a
result of a lecture provided by a state writer and painter, John Faulkner, brother of Mississippi
writer William Faulkner, at a lecture he presented.  One of his paintings became the family’s first
work of art, inspiring the story for an article she wrote for her class assignment and published in
Mississippi Magazine.

Desiring to expand her creative need, she became active in the Mississippi Gem and Mineral club
and began lessons in making jewelry.  She attended summer classes in chain making and
silversmithing at William Holland Lapidary School in Northern Georgia. Wanting further study,
she sought a local artist who helped her hone what she had learned. When lessons became
available, she studied Precious Metal Clay with Vera Lightstone in New York City and Alice Alper-
Rein in New Jersey.  Vivian continues to experiment in these avenues to find her personal style. 
She enjoys working with wire and PMC.  She collects vintage jewelry and from them is creating
new pieces.

She formed her company after she began receiving orders from the local Episcopal Cathedral gift
shop.  She expanded her jewelry to include a variety of religious items that have continued to
appeal to customers.  A chance visit to this gift shop by a member of a NYC parish resulted in
the beginning of a 10 year relationship with her two customers. She laughs when she explains
her limited business, but these two parish gift shops have provided her with materials and time
to experiment in other areas of jewelry making.

Vivian has a jewelry studio in her home in Madison, MS and a partial one in Yulan, NY where she
spends summers.  Vivian is available by appointment by telephone, email, or chance meeting.

Local Contact (Summers only)
Joyas Handcrafted Jewelry
Yulan, NY 12732
Cell: 601-856-6856
Email: joyasart@yahoo.com

Alternate Contact
457 Cheyenne Lane
Madison, MS 39110
Ph. 601-506-5562