Visual Art

Mission of the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Visual Arts Program

 
Our visual arts program is dedicated to creating a comprehensive arts education experience that inspires and prepares students with excellent skills, knowledge and confidence that:
 
  • Develops visual competencies
  • Contributes to our community through art
  • Engages lifelong arts interests 
 
  

Our Visual Art’s Faculty

 

Mrs. Nikki Sands

Mrs. Nikki Sands graduated from Kennesaw State University in 1999, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Art Education. Immediately following graduation, Mrs. Sands married her husband, Derrick, a now retired warrant-officer in the U.S. Army. 

Through her travels as an army spouse, Mrs. Sands taught visual art at the high school level in Tacoma, WA. She also taught visual art at the elementary level in North Augusta SC, Evans, GA, and Columbus, GA. Mrs. Sands has prepared and hung many art shows throughout the years, with a focus on professional display of student artwork. 

Mrs. Sands teaches 6th grade visual art, 7th grade visual art, Visual Art Comprehensive, AP Art History and Media Arts I at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts. Her favorite subject to teach is Ceramics. 

In her personal studio, she enjoys exploring different types of fiber arts, leather work, and handbag design. Mrs. Sands is the mother of four children; Nicholas, Derrick, Gabriel and Autumn Rose.

 

Ms. Judy Barr Dodds

Judy Barr Dodds is new at Rainey McCullers, but has a long history of teaching at all levels, children through adults. She enjoys teaching the arts at the middle and high schools because students are fearless and so willing to  learn and experiment.

Trained as a medical illustrator, she started her illustration career at Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation as a staff illustrator. She has been a working artist for decades while teaching foundations art classes  at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA and currently here at Rainey McCullers School of the Arts.

She works predominantly in  oils in a contemporary Impressionist style, with lots of color and texture. Her artwork  often features broad landscapes with dramatic skies and coastal wetlands.

 

Student Accolades

The Visual Arts program has many accolades to celebrate. These include, but are not limited to:
 

Allstate Recipients

2018: Shiloh Perry, Ryan Bailo, Mykayla Hypes
2019: Lydia Myers (8th. Honorable Mention)
2020: Shiloh Perry, Marcala Brown (x2), Jackson Steers, Khaliah Wiggins
2021: Summit St. John (x2), Teriana Brown, Marcala Brown 

Capital Arts Exhibitors

2019: Nateria Bivens, Angel Person, Summit St. John, Cade Trammel
2020: Dani Kern, Trevon Marshall, Caleb Simmons, Simone Wisdo
2021: Maddison Frankling, Izzy Wagner
 

Governors Honor Program Semi Finalists

2019: Ryan Bailo
2020: Lydia Myers, Ryan Bailo

2020 Southeastern Regional High School Art Competition Southern Birmingham College

Summit St. John, Lydia Myers, and Ryan Bailo

 

2019 Columbus Artist Guild Competition

Shiloh Perry – 1st place
Summit St. John – 2nd place