Meet Courttney
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Courttney in front of his latest masterpiece,
Cincinnati is Germantown USA, which took him ten months to complete
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Courttney Cooper has worked for 13 years at the Walnut Hills Kroger, and 14 years at York Street Cafe. While he loves his jobs, his favorite thing to do is art.
Four days a week after work, Courttney goes to Visionaries and Voices (V+V), an art studio for people with disabilities.
Well-known for his large scale, detailed drawings of the city from memory, Courttney also enjoys drawing superheroes, fish, and cars.
He started drawing with encouragement from his high school art teacher and at work at York Street Cafe. He often gave patrons his pictures. The owner was so impressed with Courttney's talent, she held a show for him at the restaurant, and Courttney's been drawing ever since.
In July, he was honored to have his art, mostly his Cincinnati map drawings, displayed at a three person show in Chicago at Western Exhibitions Gallery. He attended the opening with friends, and spent the weekend enjoying the city, seeing Millennium Park, listening to music and going to the aquarium.
"The owner of the gallery is from Cincinnati," said Matt Distel, V+ V Executive Director. "He was so impressed with Courttney's art he wanted to show the people of Chicago."
In addition, Courttney teaches art to high school students at Seven Hills School and Madison Junior and Senior High; and girl scout troops who come to the studio.
"Courttney's life is very full," said studio coordinator Jan Hermans, "He is a union member with Kroger, carries health insurance and is very busy, obviously!"
Courttney hopes to continue making art and collaborating with other artists, in addition to working full-time.
"V+V is great," he said, "I love coming here."
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