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Mary Joy McCollum, known simply as Joy, is a senior Graphic Design major at Lee University whose artistic journey is rooted in unexpected beginnings. Born and raised in the quiet town of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Mary Joy was homeschooled and initially gravitated toward the logical world of mathematics. Drawn to its clarity and certainty, she never imagined she would one day find herself immersed in the world of art. It wasn’t until a moment of deep self-reflection—asking what she would pursue without fear of failure or rejection—that the answer surfaced: art. That moment of clarity ignited her creative journey, and Mary Joy has never looked back.

In her latest painting series, My People, My Light, My Life, Mary Joy explores the emotional resonance of ordinary objects—specifically lamps—that have quietly shaped her story. Each lamp in the series represents someone significant or a moment of meaning, inviting viewers to consider the overlooked beauty and quiet impact of everyday life. Her art challenges us to slow down and notice what’s been there all along.

As both a graphic designer and painter, Mary Joy values the harmony between intentional structure and creative freedom. Her design background sharpens her sense of composition, color, and space, while her painter’s soul brings warmth, emotion, and narrative to each piece. She sees art as a form of worship—a way to reflect the beauty of the Creator through humble, human hands. Whether working on digital projects or traditional paintings, Mary Joy strives to create work that speaks gently yet powerfully to the viewer.

With Psalm 119:105 as her anchor, Mary Joy embraces her calling as both artist and storyteller—illuminating the beauty of the unnoticed and the sacredness of the everyday.

Check out my graphic design portfolio!