Sara Joyner: The First State Art Supervisor in Virginia

Overview & Synopsis

This biographical narrative of Sara Joyner (1900-1967), Virginia's first state art supervisor, draws on writings by Joyner, original state Department of Education reports, and personal interviews to describe an exceptional art educator, activist, and founder of the National Art Education Association (NAEA). As a White, privileged woman raised in the racially segregated South, she was courageous in her efforts and insightful in her convictions. As Virginia's first state art supervisor, she worked toward advancing art education for all children in Virginia. Joyner helped organize a Negro Art Section of the Virginia Education Association, and in 1947 hired Mary Godfrey, the first African American assistant supervisor of Art Education in Virginia. Joyner played an important role in the founding of NAEA and was NAEA's first Vice President. As an art teacher, art administrator, and agent for social change, she is a role model for all art educators.