At 86 years old, many individuals typically retire from the workforce, but Audrey Cooper took a different path. Cooper established her first art gallery, Art With Panache, when she reached 86. The gallery is situated in the Talbot Centre, a popular shopping area in downtown London where Richmond and Fullarton Streets intersect.
As she approaches her 98th birthday, Cooper continues to oversee the gallery she initiated in her later years after transitioning from painting to promoting other artists. She finds joy in engaging with artists about their creations and being immersed in a colorful environment.
Art With Panache stands out with its vibrant paintings adorning the walls, attracting passersby heading to the mall’s RBC branch or food court. Functioning as a platform for local artists, the gallery allows them to showcase their work free of charge while earning a commission on sales.
Cooper describes her business as a result of building connections one by one, emphasizing her role in connecting customers with artists whose styles resonate with them. She believes in showcasing what local artists intend to convey to the public, recognizing the unique essence each original artwork carries.
Despite her late-blooming passion for art, Cooper’s journey began in a time when career options for women were limited. After raising four children, she ventured into entrepreneurship, leveraging her secretarial skills to assist clients with document production. In the 1970s, she relocated to London, where her fascination with art blossomed, leading to the establishment of Art With Panache.
Cooper’s gallery serves as a hub for emerging local artists to exhibit their work and engage with the community. Her dedication to supporting artists and providing a platform for their creativity earned her a spot on the Mayor’s honor list. With ongoing construction of residential buildings in the vicinity, Cooper anticipates a surge in clientele seeking local art to adorn their living spaces.
As Art With Panache prepares for a special exhibition themed around Canadian nationalism in response to current political dynamics, Cooper remains steadfast in her commitment to the gallery, viewing it as more than just a business but a purpose that fuels her passion and drive.