Sue Jean Covacevich (1905-1998) oil on canvas, "Rainy Day", signed lower right, good condition, canvas size: 28 x 36 inches. Sue Jean Covacevich-Boys was born on February 14, 1905, in Wellington, Kansas. Her parents were Harvey and Julia (Miller) Hill. She was raised in Wellington and graduated from Wellington High School.She received a diploma in painting from Bethany College where she studied with Birger Sandzén in 1927. She also earned an A.B. degree from Southwestern College in 1945 and an M.A. degree from Colorado State University in 1950. She received an honorary doctorate from Southwestern College in 1988.During a twelve year residence in Mexico, Sue Jean worked at the San Carlos Art School. While in Mexico she also met Diego Rivera. Upon her return to the United States she began a teaching career that would span forty-three years, teaching primary, secondary, and college levels.A pioneer in art therapy, Sue Jean established innovative programs at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center during the 1950s. The Menninger Clinic has used her program as a model for other institutions. Her last teaching years were at Cowley County Community College.Boys exhibited nationally and internationally. Her prints are found in the collection of the Library of Congress. She was recognized as the Governor's Artist of the Year in 1981; cited as Outstanding Artist and Teacher, Wichita State University; and received a gold medal at the XXI Internazionale D'Arte Contemportance, Florence, Italy.Sue Jean was the author of two books, Impressions of Mexico, 1938, and Churches of Mexico, 1944. She also published folios of her block prints.Boys had a profound influence on the Winfield community in addition to teaching. She painted a 900-square foot mural, Historical Cowley County, in the First National Bank lobby. She founded the Winfield Arts Center which later became the Art and Humanities Council, and completed a commission for the Bicentennial Committee of Winfield for a sculpture, Gateway to the Future, installed in Island Park.

good condition

29.25 x 37 x 2.25 in

6.1 lb