DAC awards the Reed T. Cooper Bursary

January 15, 2016 · 0 Comments

The Dufferin Arts Council (DAC) extends congratulations to this year’s winner of the Reed T. Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts, Emilia Perri for her proposal “Con-struction/De-struction The Stoning of Canada.”
Emilia Perri visual artist and owner of Magiolly’s Art Supplies in Orangeville was presented the bursary at DAC’s first luncheon of 2015 by Jane Cooper, the wife of the late artist who passed away in 2006. The luncheon was served by the Globe Restaurant in Rosemont and the keynote speaker for the inaugural meeting was magician and actor Steve Baker.
Pat Burns-Wendland DAC’s Chair of Artist Support says, “The Reed T. Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts was established under the auspices of the Dufferin Arts Council’s Artist Support Program to honour the artistic achievements of Reed T. Cooper and his many contributions to the local arts community. The bursary is awarded annually to a mid-career visual artist in Dufferin County who has been working professionally for a minimum of five years, and who displays a unique talent and a potential for excellence.”
The Chair of Artist Support says, “Emilia’s proposal “Con-struction/De-struction The Stoning of Canada” was chosen by the committee as it was felt by all that Emilia’s work not only met the specified criteria, but would also bring significant artistic growth to the artist, as well as a benefit others in the community from her future show/presentation.”
“I was so honoured to receive the award from Jane Cooper herself,” said Perri. “The Reed T. Cooper Bursary will help me to continue on my artistic journey.” Reed T. Cooper, who retired in Mulmur Township, and was very active in the arts community, had works of watercolour and drawings on display at the National Gallery of Canada.
According to the DAC, this bursary is open to any professional artist who is a resident of Dufferin County and a member of the Dufferin Arts Council. Eligible media include, but are not limited to: painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, fibre arts, glass, wood, photography, digital/computer generated art.
Perri says the Dufferin Arts Council “is doing an outstanding job.” She feels it is a very important organization that all artists in the area should belong to:” www.dufferinartscouncil.com. “Through the Dufferin Arts Council, the Reed T. Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts Award is a wonderful award that artists are lucky to have access to in this community; it contributes to the progression of artists’ ideas and their journeys through them.”
To see Emilia Perri’s artwork visit www.emiliaperri.ca

By Marni Walsh