I am a retired Ripley High School art teacher with 38 years of teaching experience. I received my BA in K-12 art education in 1978 from Marshall University and my MA in painting and drawing in 1981. I began teaching at Spencer Junior High, followed by South Point Junior High in Ohio, and then Ripley Middle School, finishing my last 16 years at RHS. I currently work in my home studio with my husband Steve, who is also a member of Allied Artists. We enjoy camping and visiting with our grandkids. We are also involved in volunteer work at church and in our community. Occasional trips help to provide inspiration for future paintings.
I have been involved with the Jackson County Community Foundation for several years, completing and donating a portrait of their famous guest/speaker for a fundraiser. I have had the opportunity to meet and greet Henry Winkler, Jack Hanna, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Rocky Blier, Mary Lou Retton, Joe Theisman, Terry Bradshaw, and Bill Walton.
Artistic Statement
Since retirement, my work has primarily been completed in acrylic on stretched canvas. I have become more focused on the beauty of details and the various sights of West Virginia. I hope to start working again in watercolor soon.
Exhibits
My paintings have been shown in the following venues:
- Tamarack of Beckley
- Parkersburg Art Center (solo exhibit)
- Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton
- Huntington Gallery
- UC Erma Byrd Gallery (permanent collection)
- Artwalk in Charleston
- Black Walnut Festival in Spencer
- Frankenberger Art Gallery at UC
- Gallery 842 in Huntington
- Battle Days in Pt. Pleasant
- WesBanco in Parkersburg (solo exhibit)
- Painting in the DNR Wildlife Calendar Contest
Memberships & Associations
- Allied Artists of WV
- WV Watercolor Society, signature juried member
- Juried Artist for the David L. Dickerson Fine Art Gallery in Tamarack, Beckley WV
Contact Information
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ecommerce: https://artemporium.myshopify.com/collections/debbie-kalt-sisson
My work is for sale at Art Emporium in Charleston and the Artisan Market in Ripley.
