smcgraw@jacksonprep.net Sr. High 769-257-4414

Sunnye McGraw has taught at Prep for 24 years. She holds B.A. and M.A.E. degrees in Art Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition she has acquired an additional 15 hours of painting classes at Mississippi College. She has studied with Sammy Britt, Alan Flattman, Bob Dunnaway, Ann Barron, Debra Brown, Wyatt Waters, Julie McCartney and Becky Barnet. Ms. McGraw grew up wanting to take art lessons because her school did not offer such classes. The fact that she did not have the opportunity to take art in high school made her first impression of Prep indelible when, as she drove into Prep for a track meet once, she saw art students sketching outside. At that point, she knew she wanted to be an art teacher.

Ms. McGraw sees the infinite possibilities of creativity, and these serve not only as challenges but as sources of motivation. She sees her role as an arts educator as rewarding as she initiates the creative process, provides direction and motivation, and then shares in the results. She truly believes the words of Picasso, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” As research increasingly verifies the importance of the arts in education as enhancers of emotional, social, and academic skills, Ms. McGraw enjoys her role in the process of shaping successful adults through the arts.

As an artist Ms. McGraw appreciates creative use of texture, color, and light; she also finds pleasure in painting and printmaking. Her favorite painting that she has produced is a large oil painting of her daughter Shelley playing in the sand at the beach. In addition to her own creative works, she especially cherishes the e-mails, phone calls, and letters from alumni that she receives. She sees these as affirmation of her intent as an educator. The lady who would cover her kitchen floor with paper and provide her toddlers with paints to create masterpieces continues to provide the means for creative expression for the students of Jackson Prep.

She is Art Gallery Director, and teaching Art II and Advanced Art classes, which include the Advanced Placement students. In addition, she teaches an After-School-Art program and summer workshops for elementary and junior high students.

During her career, Sunnye has been a member of the National Art Education Association, Mississippi Art Education Association, and the International Network for Performing and Visual Arts, presented at the Jackson Association of Independent Schools, and served several years as the Mississippi Private School Association State Art Chairman. She has attended various professional conferences sponsored by these organizations. She is a native of Yazoo County. Her daughter, Casey, a graduate of Jackson Prep and the University of Mississippi is a graphic designer. Her daughter, Shelley is presently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Picasso