About the Artist

Vivian began as an artist in the mid 60’. She studied painting under Francis Seymour and Milton Lenoir. She was active in the local community, doing shows and illustrating children’s books. In 1984 she saw her first bead shop while at an insurance convention in California. She came back to Jacksonville, Florida and after research, opened her bead shop the Bead String. In addition to sales and classes, Vivian did repairs, pearl jewelry and knotting for 18 of Jacksonville’s finest jewelry stores.

Vivian became involved in the Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society, the Southeast Federation of Gemological Societies and William Holland Lapidary School in Young Harris, Georgia. After about 13 years of classes and teaching at William Holland she decided to move closer to the school she loves. In 2005 she did purchase a home about one and a half miles from William Holland in Young Harris, Georgia. Private or group classes are available year round at her home in Young Harris. She also teaches classes at Wild Acres in North Carolina and at Art Works in Hiawassee, Georgia as well as William Holland. Please contact us for schedule of classes.