A Tribute to Vivian Hawkins, 1956-2017
We are saddened to learn that storyteller Vivian Hawkins of Hannibal, Mo. has died. She apprenticed, along with Deborah Swanegan and Samuel Williams, in 1993 with Gladys Caines Coggswell in Missouri’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.
Ms. Hawkins took the knowledge and skills she learned during her apprenticeship (and in life) as far away as Warsaw, Poland–and always close to home, sharing her gift at libraries, schools, social clubs, churches, nursing homes, and festivals. She was especially keen on sustaining the oral tradition in rural communities.
We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. RIP
[Herald-Whig News clipping with photo by Joe Liesen courtesy of Vivian Hawkins from MFAP archives]
An obituary for Vivian Hawkins can be found here: