Wall Art in Sidney

Sometimes the best business card is a craftsman’s work displayed. That is the hope of Josephine Marie who recently completed a mural on the south wall of The Rock.

“I love putting art in public places,” Marie says.

She has been in Sidney about four months, moving here from Key West, Fla. She has a 22-year history in art, starting in a business not directly related to art.

“I had an antique shop,” she said. “I ended up selling more art than antiques.”

Since coming to Sidney, she’s been seeking an outlet for her art passion.

“I’ve been knocking on doors. The Rock needed color.”

Jane Woodis, owner of The Rock, said Marie came to her in her quest for the best place to paint a mural.

“Since we bought it, we’ve wanted to do something,” Woodis said.

Marie and Woodis agreed on the south wall of The Rock. If the business would buy the paint, Marie would provide the artwork. Marie started researching the area; industry, landmarks, historic businesses -- how Sidney identifies itself. The goal is to have a mural that tells the story of Sidney, not just The Rock.

“We’re all about this town,” Woodis said.

Marie showed Woodis her design. It was a sketch that needed minimal modifications before she started to work. Her work was completed the afternoon of Nov. 18.

In addition to her love of art, Josephine Marie is in her clinicals at Regional West in phlebotomy. She also works fulltime at Sapp Bros. She is available to meet with anyone else to paint a mural in the community.

“I would love to put more paint on Sidney,” she said.

Designing and painting positive art in public is what excites her.

“I’m an artist. I don’t mind making people happy.”

She can be reached at [email protected] or phone 727-479-3546.