Cathy Cooper: Metal

Born in New Orleans and raised both here and on the Mississippi Gulf coast, Cathy learned to enjoy family, food, Mardi Gras, sailing, and all the other elements of the bonne vie. She received a BFA with an emphasis in printmaking, and painting from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. After working for New Orleans jeweler Thomas Mann, Cathy established Cooper-Stratton Designs (CSD) with a signature focus on brightly colored, whimsical anodized aluminum in a wide variety of productions including jewelry, baskets, lamps, holiday ornaments, eyeglass leashes, wild tiaras, crowns, and scepters. Initially CSD pursued a primarily wholesale business, showing at American Crafts Council shows and the Handmade section of the New York International Gift Show for many years. More recently focus has shifted to retail shows and gallery exhibitions. Cathy has exhibited at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the past 20 years and is also a longtime member of the RHINO Contemporary Crafts Co.