September 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 155 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S5700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CORNELIA DOZIER COOPER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, great works of artistic expression are 
so much more than something simply to look at or listen to. They are 
often a reflection of the artist, her community, and a unique culture. 
Kentuckian Cornelia Dozier Cooper recognizes the encouraging effect of 
creative works, and she has spent her lifetime promoting them in 
eastern Kentucky. It is a privilege to recognize my dear friend 
Cornelia, who was recently selected to receive our Commonwealth's 
highest artistic honor: the Milner Award. In tribute to her 
accomplishment and philanthropy, I would like to extend my sincere 
congratulations for this well-deserved honor.
  Born in Madisonville, KY, Cornelia developed a passion for the arts 
at an early age. Supported by her parents and a fostering education, 
she grew her skills in both visual and musical arts. She was quickly 
recognized for her talent and studied English watercolor at the 
prestigious Oxford University. I have had the privilege to visit 
Cornelia's home, where I admired her beautiful watercolors up close. 
Her own artistic works, in which she hopes to display the glory of 
God's creation, were just the beginning of her contributions to 
Kentucky.
  With her husband, Richard Cooper--brother to another outstanding 
Kentuckian, Senator John Sherman Cooper--Cornelia's devotion to the 
arts extended far beyond her own brush and canvas. She sought to give 
her fellow Kentuckians the opportunity to create great works of art and 
to be inspired by them in their communities. Cornelia worked with 
several organizations, including as a founding member of the Kentucky 
Arts Council, promoting aspiring talents in her home of Pulaski County 
and throughout the Commonwealth. She also established the Cornelia 
Dozier Cooper Endowment Fund for the Arts, providing grants to support 
a variety of eastern Kentucky artists. The endowment is funded, in 
part, by the proceeds from the sale of her own watercolors.
  At a ceremony in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda, surrounded by artistic 
works celebrating the Bluegrass State's illustrious history, Cornelia 
received her Milner Award. Even at the age of 93 Cornelia still brings 
the same enthusiasm to promoting young artists. To many throughout 
Kentucky, she is a mentor and a creative inspiration. Her selfless 
philanthropy will certainly continue to encourage young artists to 
develop their talents and follow their passions. I am grateful to 
Cornelia for her friendship and her lifetime spent enriching our home 
State. She has certainly earned this distinction. I ask my Senate 
colleagues to join me in congratulating this remarkable Kentuckian, 
Cornelia Dozier Cooper.

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