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Julie Riggs Sisson paints business fronts. The photo above is one of her many stops. This year, in lieu of payment, Sisson requested her customers to donate to the local nursing homes. Courtesy photo
A local artist is using her talents to garner donations for the less fortunate. Julie Riggs Sisson is an artist and painter by trade. She paints the windows and doors of commercial and business fronts, and even some residences.
Sisson said she is an Oklahoman transplant.
“Originally, I am from Texas, but I have lived in Marshall County now for 16 years, so I call it home,” she said.
Sisson has been painting windows for approximately 20 years. However, this year, Sisson decided to do something different to help during the holiday season, a season that is difficult for many people even before the pandemic. In lieu of payment for her work, she requested her customers to use that money and donate blankets and socks to nursing homes.
She said the reason for suggesting the donations was because of somebody close to her heart.
“My mom spent the last few years in her life in a nursing home and I remember her needing socks all the time and all ofthe residents all the time were always needing socks or blankets,” Sisson said.
Sisson also said she loves the Christmas season; it helps remind her just how blessed she is.
“I absolutely love this time of year,” Sisson said. “I dress up in red and silly hats and my customers love it. It’s an awesome feeling seeing all the smiles”
The artist said over 100 socks and blankets were dispersed to various nursing homes, and it is all thanks to her amazing customers.
“My customers are absolutely incredible and very giving. I was overwhelmed with their generosity.”
Some of Sisson’s customers think that she is also a gift, much like her talent.
“As I sit here in the hustle and bustle of Christmas time, my heart is completely warmed by the generosity of one of Marshall County’s citizens,” said a customer who wishes to remain anonymous. “She is an incredible artist and uses her talents to provide a living for her family. A lot of people know her in the area as the lady who paints on business windows, murals, signs, and more. What most people do not know, is that this Christmas, she donated her time, talent, gas, supplies, and painted on businesses’ windows but not for monetary payment. All she asked is that the business donate warm socks and blankets to the elderly.”
“For the past year, we have had to change our lives because of Covid-19 and the presidential election,” the customer added. “It’s extremely refreshing to know that we have people like Julie Riggs-Sisson living in Marshall County and giving to others in need. I’m so proud to call her my friend.”