A 60 by 7 foot mural painted by Mr. Leroy Jackson, head man in Grady's art department, has recently been hung on the rear wall of the cafeteria. The painting was done with oil colors, and nearly one hundred dollars was spent for that purpose alone. The subject of the mural represents the interests of boys and girls, and shows them in such actions as dancing, working on boats, swimming, studying and playing musical instruments.
Using Grady pupils for models, Mr. Jackson began his work in the early part of 1952, from a suggestion of Mrs. Claude Grizzard, PTA official. Mrs. Grizzard had seen Mr. Jackson's earlier mural at Bass High School, and suggested that he do one for Grady, as part of the PTA beautification program. Mrs. Grizzard raised the necessary money for this project.
It was not until early June when Mr. Jackson began the actual painting on
the canvas of the mural. As an interesting feature, Mr. Jackson painted
an outdoor kiln over the place where an electrical switch box is on the
cafeteria wall. The door of the kiln opens, providing access to the switches.
When interviewed on his feelings toward the mural, Mr. Jackson stated: "It will turn the cafeteria into a harmonious and beautiful place in which to eat and meditate."
Last spring, Mr. Jackson was responsible for getting the frieze which adorns
the walls of the rampway leading to the cafeteria. The subject of the frieze
is "Greek Youth Parading in Honor of Athena."