Cynthia Cooper: Gifts of the Sea Exhibit

Fire Arts Inc. invites the public to a truly unique exhibit by clay artist Cynthia Cooper.  “Gifts of the Sea” will be open from September 2 – October 28, with an opening reception on Friday, September 2, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. She will also be giving a talk on the First Friday on October 7, at 7:30 p.m.

This exhibit is comprised of work inspired by Cooper’s love of the ocean, specifically the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. Her first experiences of snorkeling and scuba diving were cathartic and became the catalyst for her ceramics. After 20 years of exploring and learning about the Keys habitats, Cooper saw drastic changes and became an advocate for the coral reefs. “My desire is to take the viewer on a visit through my eyes.” Each piece is an experience with nature around a reef system above or below the water. You can visit the sea turtles, meet undersea fantasy “Shepots” or greet an abstract egret.  Each piece is meant to give you the gift of the experience while in vessel form.  Form, texture, and color are key elements. “To me the coral reefs are the most beautiful natural phenomenon that I have ever seen. It is necessary to make changes to care for these beautiful gifts before they are erased from our world.”

Cooper is a professional clay artist working in Goshen, Indiana, since 1992. In 2013 she received a Lilly Grant titled “Dive Down to Change the Coral Reefs through Art,” which profoundly changed her art work.

Art education started Cooper’s career in Dallas, Texas, but after fifteen years she brought her skills back to her home town of Goshen, where she eventually became the art chair at Goshen High School. There she taught Ceramics, Advanced Placement Art, and International Baccalaureate art for 24 years. She retired in 2019. Cooper also is a founding member of the Goshen Clay Artists Guild, where she currently has her studio, teaches, sells, and is an active part of the group.

As a highly acclaimed potter and educator, Cooper’s work has been selected for exhibits across the country, including Indiana, Texas, New York, Florida, and New Mexico. She has also presented workshops and spoken at events from Wisconsin to Florida.

Fire Arts is located at 305 East Colfax in South Bend, Indiana. The showroom is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., and by appointment. Call (574) 282 – 2787 or check our website at www.fireartsinc.com for more information.