From New York’s Soho District to East Johnson Street, that has been the route that veteran art dealer, Wendy Cooper, has taken in her voyage to address unmet needs within the art marketplace. Whether led by the desire for more "edgy art" or a need to respond to what Cooper calls "an inspirational deficit" present in most galleries today, the Wendy Cooper Gallery was born on Friday, September 24, 1999 with a reception for Madison painter, Nancy Mladenoff. The following week, during Gallery Night, more than 300 showed up for the gallery’s grand opening.
Wendy Cooper brings 20 years of art sales experience to the Madison community. In 1987, Cooper formed COOPER-SEEMAN Fine Art. As a consultant, she pioneered innovative strategies to sell and market artwork �of contemporary artists to corporations and private collectors. The exhibitions were curated in various public spaces to showcase undiscovered talent and broaden the public’s interest. While in New York, Cooper rented a Soho office with rental gallery space available for her use. But, the cost of the rental space plus the demands of a gallery were too much at that time, so she resumed staging exhibitions in alternating spaces.
Three years ago,Cooper followed her husband to Madison where he had recently secured a new job. After moving here, she continued to show and sell artwork in alternative spaces and homes and build her sales activity. During this time, an interest developed in serving first time buyers. She also cultivated an interest in moving into the �„local arts community. It was while searching for cheap commercial space to rent that she happened to find her present location at 824 E. Johnson Street, which she ended up purchasing.
"My mission is always the same wherever I go," said Cooper. "I want people to learn something new about themselves through art and to feel confident about the process."
From November 3 - November 27, the photogravures of Lothar Osterburg will be on display. An informal Artist Talk and Reception will be held Saturday, November 13 at 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm. The Wendy Cooper Gallery, located at 824 E. Johnson St., is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm, or by appointment. The gallery can be reached at 287-1100 or at wcooper@mailbag.com.
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