New York, NY - For over four decades, Rebecca Cooper has been a defining force in the American contemporary art scene, building a career distinguished by discovery, vision, and a keen instinct for artistic talent. From early success with emerging artists to significant philanthropic engagement, Cooper’s journey as an “Artepreneur” and fine art dealer demonstrates a rare blend of business acumen, cultural insight, and enduring dedication to the arts.Rebecca Cooper’s entry into the art world began with an unexpected visit to a Washington, D.C. gallery—a moment that sparked a passion leading to her first gallery, Gallery Rebecca Cooper. At a time when the capital featured a dynamic network of women-owned galleries, Cooper quickly established herself among the city’s key figures. This formative period shaped her appreciation for artistic innovation and her commitment to supporting creators, particularly those working outside mainstream genres.A pivotal influence on Cooper’s career was the legendary curator Walter Hopps, whose “Fantasy Realism” exhibition in Washington introduced her to a vanguard of California artists. Inspired by this movement, Cooper began championing fantasy realism, representing artists whose distinctive visions would become her gallery’s hallmark. Her instinctive approach to curation, bolstered by her academic foundation—a BA and MA from New York University and certification as a professional appraiser—laid the groundwork for future achievements in the competitive New York art market.The 1980s marked a turning point as Cooper launched Rebecca Cooper Fine Art Tours in New York City. As owner and president for a decade, she developed a reputation for connecting artists and collectors in new ways, organizing private studio visits, and curating exclusive gatherings where art changed hands and ideas flourished. During this period, she played a role in the early careers of now-iconic artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Stephen Sprouse. Recognizing Basquiat’s extraordinary potential, Cooper worked to introduce his pieces to major corporate collections, contributing to his swift ascent in the global art market.Her expertise extended beyond representing artists; she became a trusted advisor to collectors and institutions alike. Notably, Cooper’s influence reached international venues, as demonstrated by her participation in the Paris biannual arts exhibition—a collaboration once again inspired by Hopps’s visionary leadership.In 2005, Cooper opened The Gallery in Sag Harbor, New York, a space that reflected her commitment to cultivating community around contemporary art. There, she championed both established and emerging voices, further solidifying her position among leading American dealers. Her exhibitions attracted collectors, critics, and fellow curators, all drawn to her ability to spotlight work that resonates with cultural relevance and originality.As a current private Art Dealer, Rebecca Cooper helps collectors find the art pieces they want, at prices they are willing to pay.Alongside her professional pursuits, Ms. Cooper has been an active supporter of major art organizations and exhibitions: The American Federation of Arts (AFA), and art-related-activities that support charitable causes. where she has served as a National Patron, and contributing patronage to Independent Curators, Inc. (ICI). And, at a time not so long ago, she held Patron Status at The Museum of Modern ART, NYC,