WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE 

Thanks to the artistic talents of a sixth grader at Clemmons High School more than 200 children received an early Christmas gift when they received a brand new coat earlier this week at the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission.

Marissa France has always had a passion for art so when her grandmother Sue France saw an ad for Burlington Stores’ Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive Art Contest she thought it would be perfect for her granddaughter. The nationwide contest held annually for the past decade purpose is to find a young superstar artist to design a panel of the coat donation box that are featured in Burlington Stores across the country.

“Knowing how talented Marissa is my eyes and ears are always open for art contest,” said Marissa’s grandmother.”I was not surprised that she did well in the contest.”

Although she didn’t win the grand prize and a guest appearance on Good Morning America as the runner up Marissa was awarded a gift certificate and the opportunity to donate 250 coats to the non-profit organization of her choosing. While speaking with The Chronicle at the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission where Marissa decided to donate the coats, the up and coming artist said it felt good to give to those in need especially during the holidays.

“It feels good to know that I was able to help a bunch of kids stay warm this winter,” she said. “Nobody wants to have a bad Christmas. It’s every kid’s dream to have a great Christmas and it makes me happy to know that I could help.”

During the coat giveaway on Tuesday, December 6 Marissa dis-cussed how she came up with her idea for the drawing. She said after drawing a number of sketches, she decided to submit the drawing of a hand holding a heart made of various colored coats because it went best with the theme of the contest.

Marissa’s parents Kevis and Susana France said they were proud of their daughters many accomplishments. They mentioned earlier this year she won first place in a national aviator contest, Marissa is also an “A” honor roll student.

Although her design didn’t make it to the donation box be on the lookout for Marissa France in an art gallery near you, she has already accumulated several portfolios of her work and seems confident that her talents will only get better.

“I’ve been doing art for a long time and it’s what I do more than anything else,” smiled France.