Latest News: Sneak Peeks

Title:
Hallmark Artist

Started at Hallmark:
September 1983

Started at Keepsakes:
January 2000

Hometown:
Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Sharon Visker has been a Hallmark artist for over 35 years. In that time she’s worked as an illustrator, and become an accomplished Keepsake Artist with experience in many mediums. What Sharon loves the most about her job is the kinship she feels with her fellow artists. “We’re such a tight-knit group,” she says. “We help each other and can call on each other when we’re working on something to get other’s input. I landed in a good place.”

Her mother seemed to be taking an art class or immersing herself in an art project during every spare moment. Her brother seemed to be able to draw just about anything. And in an atmosphere where art seemed like a part of everyday life, it was only natural that Sharon Visker would want to give it a try.

She quickly discovered she was unusually good at it. So good, in fact, that her friends would offer to buy the bubble gum cards she copied for fun. Which made Sharon realize she had the ability to be an artist who could make people notice her work.

Throughout grade school and high school, the opportunities for Sharon’s work to be noticed occurred frequently and took various forms. She created elaborate bulletin board displays, designed yearbooks, entered—and won—numerous art competitions.

Her exceptional talent eventually brought her to Hallmark, where, after 15 years as an illustrator, she participated in a woodcarving workshop and discovered a knack she didn’t know she had. A knack for sculpting—which she’s been exercising ever since for the enjoyment of Keepsake Ornaments collectors.

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