JENNIFER DAWN GRINER

Jennifer Griner is a Georgia-based artist and art educator whose work explores themes of remembrance, resilience, and legacy. Originally from rural South Georgia, she studied art at Brenau University before earning her degree in Art Education from Georgia Southern University. Drawing inspiration from both personal history and collective memory, her work bridges the past and present, honoring intimate family narratives as well as broader social issues, such as the impact of school shootings in America. Influenced by the emotional depth and narrative form of Bo Bartlett and the bold scale of Georgia O’Keeffe, Jennifer’s paintings capture both personal and historical narratives with profound storytelling and symbolism, inviting viewers into spaces of reflection and dialogue.

With a career spanning over 27 years, Jennifer has been instrumental in mentoring young artists, particularly in Advanced Placement Art & Design and International Baccalaureate Visual Art programs. Her commitment to art education has been recognized through accolades such as the 2024 GAEA Secondary Art Educator of the Year award. She has also served in many capacities as an active member of the GAEA Board and has played a key role in organizing state art conferences.

Jennifer’s work has been exhibited in venues across Georgia, including notable shows at Brenau University, The Averitt Center for the Arts, and the Arts Council. Her paintings transform faded photographs and fleeting memories into lasting narratives, ensuring that both personal and collective histories are not only remembered but reclaimed from the ephemeral. Beyond her studio and classroom, she is passionate about art advocacy and frequently presents at national conferences on the integration of art and literacy. Through her work, both as an artist and educator, she seeks to preserve the past while inspiring meaningful conversations about the present.