As one of the original recipients of the President’s Art Award in 2006, Catherine Guastella Cooper has a passion for the arts and promoting arts and culture in both the parish and Covington.

Although not an artist herself, Cooper says that her spirit of volunteerism and the arts was inspired and encouraged by her mother, artist Mary Ann Guastella. “At an early age, I would accompany my mother to pick up auction items for the WYES auction every year. This became a part of my life,” she said. She later was co-chair of the WYES auction and felt a sense of fulfillment continuing her mother’s legacy.

This continued when her sons, Duncan and Whitney Brown entered her life. Whitney was active on the Covington theater scene at St. Paul’s School. He is now majoring in theology and English at Loyola University in Chicago and plans to be a college professor. Duncan, 21, will soon be a reservist in the National Guard and is a junior at Tulane University.

Catherine Cooper

“Since my sons were active in the arts, I remained active in the arts in Covington,” Cooper said.

Philanthropy is also part of her volunteer life.

As co-chair of an upcoming event March 8 honoring Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, Cooper calls him “God’s rock star” and extolled the virtues of the man and archbishop that has meant so much to so many. The event will be held at the World War II Museum in New Orleans and many of the Northshore’s finest artists, including performer Ronnie Kole, will be key to the entertainment and festivities.

“The Archbishop has always been there for people,” she said.

Among the tributes planned is dedication of stained glass windows in Washington D. C. in the chapel for military services. They also plan an endowed scholarship in his name at St. Joseph Abbey.

“The event is simply to honor him and let him know how much we love him,” she said.

Cooper’s endeavors don’t stop there. As a former president of the St. Tammany Art Association, she is once again on their board and is an active supporter, promoter and proponent of their activities.

Chairperson of the Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington this past November, she proudly admitted that the event was very successful and attracted more artists and attendees than ever, in spite of the sagging economy.

In addition to the Hannan event in March, she is involved as a committee member of the Stop, Drop, Rock N Roll and Haulin’ Ash events to be held in May for the benefit of the Covington Fire Department. Postponed from an earlier date, she said the event will help the community and provide equipment for the department.

A native of south Louisiana, she naturally loves Mardi Gras and participates in both the Krewe of Juno and the DIVAS.

The DIVAS splashed on the Covington art scene this past year with an exhibition of jeweled bustiers displayed in various shops in the arts district.

Many had themes including replicas of art works (The Blue Dog was at Zorro’s) and western attire. Known for their creative artistry, the DIVAS are actually an informal parading Mardi Gras group, taking their artistry to Bourbon Street during Friday of Mardi Gras weekend.

Between her demanding career as assistant to Covington Mayor Candace Watkins and her arts and fun-loving activism, Cooper has had time to develop a personal life, marrying Michael Cooper this past year.

Ironically, Cooper was Watkins’ opponent when she first ran for mayor. He is also the son of former Covington mayor Ernest Cooper, who passed away a few years ago.

Will Michael run again for the job when Watkins term ends? Will Catherine enter the political realm in three years for the job?

“I don’t think so. I think we’re just happy where we are,” said Cooper.