Carnegie Hall’s November/December Artwalk Exhibits are underway with three galleries featuring the works of regional artists. The Old Stone Room Gallery features Debbie and Stephen Sisson, a husband-and-wife artist duo based in Ripley, West Virginia, whose creative journeys have been shaped by a shared love of nature, history, and community.
Debbie Kalt Sisson, originally from Parkersburg, holds a BA in Art Education and an MA+60 from Marshall University. She dedicated 38 years to teaching art in Spencer, South Point (Ohio), and Ripley, retiring from Ripley High School in 2016. Inspired by her mother’s handmade coloring pages during childhood, Debbie’s passion for art blossomed early and has remained a joyful constant throughout her life. She is a juried Tamarack artist, a signature member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society, and a juried member of Allied Artists and the Tri-State Art Association. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Erma Byrd Gallery’s permanent collection of West Virginia women artists. Debbie is also known for her ongoing contributions to the Jackson County Community Foundation, having created and donated twelve speaker-themed paintings for their annual fundraiser events.
Stephen Sisson, a native of St. Albans, graduated from West Virginia State College with a BA in 1978 and spent 45 years as a draftsman and steel detailer before retiring to focus on his art. Since then, he has expanded his portfolio and exhibited in juried shows at Tamarack and the West Virginia Cultural Center. Stephen’s work often explores technical and historical themes, with a growing interest in plein air painting and urban sketching. His preferred mediums include oil, acrylic, pen and ink, gouache, and watercolor.
Together, Debbie and Stephen find inspiration while camping and painting outdoors, often capturing scenes of nature and architecture that challenge their perspectives and celebrate the beauty of everyday life. Their collaborative spirit and individual talents continue to enrich West Virginia’s vibrant arts community.
The Old Stone Room is located on the ground floor of Carnegie Hall. The exhibit runs through the end of December.
The exhibits are free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit carnegiehallwv.org, call 304-645-7917, or stop by the Hall at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg.
