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Cooper curates major art show for anti-bullying
LOS ANGELES, CA - For his 12th Birthday, Cooper Berella asked if he could curate an art show. The show which opened in September is called “Stop It!!” and features works from around 100 contemporary artists on the theme of bullying. A portion of the proceeds will go to two anti-bullying organizations: GLIDE, or Gays and Lesbians Initiating Dialogue for Equality, and the CHIME Institute where Cooper goes to school, an organization dedicated to inclusive education where kids of all abilities learn together.
Cooper said he chose an anti-bullying theme because it resonates with him. As a young child, he was diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder that makes him easily distracted. The now gregarious Cooper shows few outward signs of the disorder.
The young artist has been attending art shows for years, and many of the artists in Los Angeles consider him a friend. “Everybody in the show is doing it from the heart because everybody knows Cooper,” said one artist. “He’s a kid who’s doing this with a good conscience - to contribute money for a very important subject, which is bullying.”
Some of the pieces in the show are Cooper’s own work. Other artists say he draws so well already, he’s going to own the art scene when he’s older. Cooper just hopes the show’s message gets through to people.
“Pretty much what this art show is saying is `stop it, and speak up, speak up for your own feelings,” he explained.
Cooper said he chose an anti-bullying theme because it resonates with him. As a young child, he was diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder that makes him easily distracted. The now gregarious Cooper shows few outward signs of the disorder.
The young artist has been attending art shows for years, and many of the artists in Los Angeles consider him a friend. “Everybody in the show is doing it from the heart because everybody knows Cooper,” said one artist. “He’s a kid who’s doing this with a good conscience - to contribute money for a very important subject, which is bullying.”
Some of the pieces in the show are Cooper’s own work. Other artists say he draws so well already, he’s going to own the art scene when he’s older. Cooper just hopes the show’s message gets through to people.
“Pretty much what this art show is saying is `stop it, and speak up, speak up for your own feelings,” he explained.
Cooper Berella at the Munky King Gallery on the opening night of his curated show
