"I am fascinated with the beautiful designs, textures, and shapes one can achieve from studying ancient metal techniques and processes used by other cultures for centuries and applying them in my personal work with a contemporary twist."

Ellen Buie Niewyk received her BFA from the University of North Texas in 1976 and her MFA from Southern Methodist University in 1978. She studied silversmithing with Edward Mattil at UNT and later attended classes and workshops at the Craft Guild of Dallas, the Jewelry Arts Institute (a school that concentrates in ancient metal techniques) in New York City , the Penland School of Crafts in Penland , North Carolina and with Lynne Merchant at The Shepherdess in San Diego , California . In recent years she studied with guest artists at the Craft Guild of Dallas including Jean Stark, an authority in the field of ancient metal techniques, and Ronda Coryell, a faculty member at the Revere Academy in San Francisco , California .

Her interest in ancient metalworking stems from her study of Greek art at SMU and serving as the Eugene McDermott Graduate Intern at the Dallas Museum of (Fine) Art during the Pompeii A.D. 79 exhibit in 1978 - 1979. She employs such techniques as granulation and classical chain making, using fine silver (.999 silver), sterling silver (.925 silver), and gold with various types of semi-precious beads and stones. She is also interested in the ancient Korean technique of "Keum-boo" (sometimes spelled "kum-bu") which is the application of pure gold (24 k) onto sterling and fine silver. Her work was recently sold at the Dallas Museum of Art Museum Shop in conjunction with the exhibition, From the Ashes of Vesuvius, In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite, July 8– October 7, 2007

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Mission Statement
The North Dallas Artist Studio Tour is an educational art event that invites the public into working studios of North Dallas artists, allowing an intimate view of the creative process. The Tour seeks to raise public awareness of the quality and diversity of artwork being produced by local artists and to demonstrate that art adds meaning and richness to community life.