Biography: Anita Cooke, a visual artist and educator based in New Orleans since 1980, holds a BFA in Ceramics from Kent State University and an MFA from Tulane University. With a teaching career spanning institutions like Tulane University and Loyola University, she imparts her expertise in ceramics. Notably, her monumental ceramic mural, "LightSounds," graces Western Michigan University's campus. A recipient of the 2005 Louisiana Fellowship Award, Cooke continues to evolve her artistic expression, currently exploring sewing, fabric, mixed media, and collage. Her creations adorn numerous public and private collections, reflecting the enduring impact of her diverse and prolific artistic journey.

Selected Collections: Second Line Stages, Movie Studio, New Orleans, LA.; Oil Tanking North America, Houston, TX.; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. Aimee Farnet Siegel; New Orleans.; Ralph and Susan Brennan, New Orleans.; Thomas and Dathel Coleman, New Orleans.; Dr. Nia Terezakis, New Orleans, LA.; Mike and Tracy Dodd, New Orleans, LA.; Charles Whited, New Orleans, LA.; Paul and Deborah Parks, North Adams, Massachusetts.; Linda Nichols, Honolulu, Hawaii.; Charmaine Neville, New Orleans, LA.; Charlotte Gordon, Portsmouth, Ohio.; Dr. Henry Threefoot, New Orleans, LA.; Thomas Mann, New Orleans, LA.; Hal Lewis, Tallahassee, FL.; Dan Piersol, New Orleans, LA.; Lester Vial, New Orleans, LA.; Nathan Mays.; Tommy Lemann, New Orleans, LA.; Beth Wheeler, New Orleans, LA.; Stephanie Bruno, New Orleans, LA.; Ray Manning Architecture, New Orleans, LA.; Brooks Graham Architecture, New Orleans, LA.; Lex Kelso. Carrie Bart Marks.

Prizes: Juror Award: 2020 Fletcher Exhibit of Socially and Politically Engaged Art; Juror.; Carlton Wilkinson; Reese Museum at East Tennessee State University.; Juror Award: Paper Works; Juror Robyn Philips-Pendleton; McNeese State University.; New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), Honored Artist, presented in conjunction with Love in the Garden, NOMA patron benefit.; KAT Grant, Juried by panel, monetary relief for artists affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Funded in part by the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, TX Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation Relief Fund.; Idea Village Grant, juried, awarded to artists affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.; Louisiana Fellowship Award, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Louisiana State Arts Council, competitive monetary award.; Visiting Artist, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, North Edgecomb, ME.;Full-time Teaching Assistantship, Graduate School Teaching Assistant Fund, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, full tuition scholarship plus teaching stipend.; Eleanor B. Kohlmeyer Graduate Award in Studio Art; Monetary award presented annually to a second year graduate student, selected by the tenured art faculty.