(October 31, 2014)

Centenary's Magale Library to feature works of Peggy Cooper

SHREVEPORT, LA — Peggy Cooper, former staff member of the Centenary office of public relations, will display her photographic art illustration prints, original paintings, and prints in Centenary's Magale Library gallery in November. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cooper has experience in graphic design, photography, and photo illustration. Her late husband, Robert Cooper (1937-2005), worked with her in her study of graphic arts. In 1989 she co-founded CooperHouse Publishing, which led to the creation of Poet magazine. Cooper's first works in photographic illustration were exhibited in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Striped Door Gallery. The exhibit A Motley Crew (2007), featured a compilation of self-photographic illustrations representing the inner soul of women.

"My interest in photography took a more serious stance when international photographer and friend David Fitzgerald told me I had good composition, a good eye, and passion for my subjects," writes Cooper in her artist statement. "It was only then that I wanted to attempt what is sometimes loosely called 'fine art' for lack of a better word to define that area between graphic art and fine art."

Currently, Cooper lives in Shreveport with her dog, Maggie May.

The poetry of Centenary English Professor Dr. David Havird and his wife Ashley Mace Havird will also be featured at the opening reception. Dr. Havird will be available to sign his first full-length book of poetry, Map Home (2013, Texas Review Press). Mace Havird will be signing her book The Garden of the Fugitives which won the 2013 X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize and is just out from Texas Review Press. Copies of these works will also be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will benefit Providence House.