At 86 years old, many individuals have retired from the workforce, but Audrey Cooper took a different path by opening her first art gallery, Art With Panache, in downtown London twelve years ago. Now approaching her 98th birthday, Cooper continues to manage the gallery, shifting her focus from painting to promoting other artists. She enjoys engaging with artists about their creations and being surrounded by vibrant colors that adorn the walls of Art With Panache.
The gallery, situated in the Talbot Centre, stands out with its captivating paintings that attract passersby on their way to the mall. Cooper operates the gallery as a platform for local artists to exhibit their work at no cost while taking a commission from each sale. She emphasizes the importance of connecting customers with art that resonates with them, highlighting the unique essence that original artwork carries.
Growing up in Toronto during a time when career options for women were limited, Cooper initially pursued traditional roles but later found her passion for art. After raising her children, she ventured into entrepreneurship and eventually transitioned to the art community in London, where she discovered her artistic flair and began painting urban folk art pieces depicting nostalgic scenes from her past.
Despite starting the gallery in her mid-80s, Cooper remains dedicated to supporting emerging artists and providing a platform for them to showcase their work. Recognized for her contributions to the art community, she continues to thrive in her business, with upcoming exhibitions focusing on Canadian nationalism in response to current political events. With new residential developments in the area expected to attract more art enthusiasts, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down, driven by her deep passion for art and the fulfillment it brings her.