Jeweler Makes an Impact Through Volunteer Work

Barry Sirkus first discovered Sonoma in the 70s, while visiting friends at Sonoma State College. Soon, he met his wife-to-be, Cheryl, and they began to dream about living here.

But getting to Sonoma was a long-term endeavor. After he and Cheryl married, they jetted down to Los Angeles, and went to work in fashion-accessories design for several large companies. Sirkus was a buyer for a chain of stores, and then co-ran a large handbag manufacturing company: where he dipped his hands into sales, design, marketing and manufacturing. Cheryl worked on the creative end, designing womens' belts. 

In 1989 Sirkus met a the owner of small jewelry manufacturing company in San Rafael, who was looking for help running the business. He took the job and hired Cheryl to help design the jewelry - they were moving closer to their dream.

After two years of working in San Rafael, a recession hit and their jobs evaporated. Luckily, there was a silver lining. “I remember going home and telling Cheryl, ‘I have bad news and good news. The bad news is we’ve both been fired. The good news is that we’re starting our own business," said Sirkus. 

They moved to Sonoma and started their business on the kitchen table, selling jewelry.  After two years, the business took off and their jewelry was selling in stores nationwide. They moved from the kitchen to a guest room, and then into the family room, and finally into a Victorian building they purchased in downtown Sonoma.  Twenty years later, Barry considers Sonoma home.

But the jetsetting jewler has a unique concept of the finer things in life:  his foremost passion is volunteering at the , a grief and bereavement center for children and families who have lost a loved one, or those living with someone with a life threatening illness.

SP: You were born and raised in that other “state” in California: Los Angeles. Can you put into a few words how Sonoma struck you as different?

BS: LA folks spend a lot of time wanting to look good. Sonoma folks spend a lot of time wanting to feel good.

SP: What’s the name of your company?

BS: Sonoma Art Works. Over the years we have expanded our look, we now have two labels: Sonoma Art Works and Sierra. Sonoma Art Works was our primary line. After about 3-years we added a slightly more expensive line called Sierra. It took off immediately.

SP: How do you describe your jewelry?

BS: Subtle, feminine and classic but contemporary.

SP: Does each line have a different look?

BS: The Sierra line uses precious metals – sterling silver and 14K gold vermeil.  We use beautiful and unusual stones in both lines, which we’re known for.

SP: Can your jewelry be found locally?

BS:  Locally we sell on the Plaza. Halem is typical of the kind of store that carries our jewelry: upscale and eclectic.

SP: How has the challenging economy affected your business? I know “luxury” items are feeling the pressure.

BS: We’re feeling challenged, but standing still feels like a bad idea.  We are currently developing a less expensive line under Sonoma Art Works that is more appropriate for these economic times. Great designs with fair prices trumps a bad economy.

SP: What is it like to work at the WillMar Center?

BS:  Fulfilling, uplifting, and peaceful.

SP: An emotional endeavor. 

BS: It brings sanity to my life. My problems or stresses seem trivial to the stories and experiences these young people have gone through.

SP: So helping them cope with death helps you cope with life. 

BS:  Yes, in a paradoxical sort of way. The compassion they share with each other is inspiring, and inspiration is a great asset.

SP: What do you actually do at the center?

BS: Currently I co-facilitate a group of several teens. We listen, talk, do artwork, and write. But mostly we do a lot of reflective listening. The WillMar Center is one of the finalists chosen from a local philanthropic organization, "Impact 100," who is about to give $100,000 to a non-profit of their choosing.

 SP: What about WillMar makes it unique?

BS: There are very few grieving and healing centers like this on the west coast. Death is a taboo subject in many ways in our society. WillMar is a center where children and families can come together, talk and heal each other. It’s not about  getting over the loss. It’s learning to live with the loss. We’re fortunate to have an organization like this in our community.

 SP: If you weren’t in the jewelry business, what would you be doing?

BS: Yoga, writing, traveling, and gardening. And I’d spend more time volunteering at the WillMar Center. It helps me keep things in perspective.

To reach Barry, email him at office@sonomaartworks.com. Find out more about the Willmar Center, or volunteer, online.