In Hampton Roads, the arts are a living, breathing presence—heard in the rhythm of a drum circle, seen in a dancer’s arc across a school gym, felt in the hush that follows a poem. Few people did more to ensure those moments could happen than Minette Cooper. Her leadership, vision, and relentless belief in the transformative power of the arts helped shape Arts for Learning Virginia and strengthened the Young Audiences national movement that connects children to creativity nationwide.
Minette’s story is intertwined with the very roots of our organization. Her family’s connection to Young Audiences began with her father-in-law, Dudley Cooper, a foundational figure in establishing the Virginia affiliate. Minette picked up that torch with resolve—first as our volunteer program director, then as a three-time board president, and later as a national board member with Young Audiences, Inc. (New York). Across decades, she led with clarity and heart, pushing us to ask better questions, make stronger plans, and serve more children with more meaningful arts experiences.
A Builder of Institutions—and of People
From the earliest days of Arts for Learning Virginia, Minette believed that an impactful arts organization must be both visionary and practical. She had the kind of leadership presence that fills a room—not with volume, but with conviction. Colleagues and artists remember her for the way she attended to details and the way she insisted we return, again and again, to our mission: Are we making the arts accessible to children who need them most? Are we building a model that lasts?
Former national executive director Richard Bell shared a story that captures Minette’s steadfast approach:
“Every year as my staff and I prepared the annual budget; there was one question that consistently occupied our minds: Would it pass the Minette test? She scrutinized every line item with precision and conviction—always preceded by, ‘I only have a few minor issues.’ Those ‘minor issues’ never took less than 20 minutes on the agenda. And even though I squirmed at the time, I came to miss her unfailingly accurate appraisals once I retired.”
Minette could be exacting—because she knew that well-governed organizations endure, and enduring organizations serve children better. She asked tough questions not to obstruct, but to illuminate. She challenged plans not to discourage, but to strengthen. She led not from ego, but from service.
The Heart Behind the Work
Minette’s leadership was matched by a generosity of spirit that touched artists, administrators, and board members alike. As John J. Alecca, Executive Director of Young Audiences of Northern California, wrote:
“Since I have been with YA, Minette and I shared a delightful relationship. She and I had many mischievous and fun conversations. She was never one to shy away from asking thoughtful and sincere questions.”
Across the network, colleagues recognized in Minette a rare combination of warmth, curiosity, and courage:
- “Minette saw what was important and what needed solving and fixing and was fearlessly eloquent in leading us to the table! I will always be grateful for her great heart and mind.” – YA National Board Member
- “She was a force of nature, seeming to be forever young! Her passing will leave a hole in so many lives.” – YA National Board Member
- “She was one of a kind!” – YA National Board Member
These reflections echo here in Virginia as well. Kim J. Vincent remembers working closely with Minette through Young Audiences and the Norfolk Arts Commission, which she chaired:
“Hampton Roads arts community has lost a wonderful patron and advocate. She will be greatly missed.”
Artist Steve Kohrherr adds:
“Such a beautiful, strong supporter for the arts. I feel blessed to have worked with and got to know her.”
And former board member Sheila Jamison-Schwartz captures what many of us feel:
“Minette was an exceptional person and arts advocate!”
A Legacy Recognized—and Lived
In 2012, VEER Magazine named Minette one of its People of the Year, a distinction that felt less like an award and more like a statement of gratitude from a community she shaped. Yet her most enduring honors are found in the everyday moments she made possible: the discovery on a child’s face during a classroom performance, the confidence blooming in a young writer’s voice, the connection forged when a visiting artist opens their practice and their heart.
Here in Virginia, Minette’s influence extends through thousands of school performances and residencies, through seasons of careful board stewardship, through the relationships she nurtured and the resources she stewarded diligently and bravely. Nationally, her service with Young Audiences, Inc. (New York) strengthened the broader network—keeping arts education centered on quality, equity, and sustainability.
Jenny James, Executive Director of Young Audiences Louisiana, wrote of Minette’s steady presence at national convenings:
“Her steadfast support of the network was always evident at the national meetings.”
Erica Smith, an Arts for Learning Virginia board member, offered a personal reflection:
“Minette has known me since I was practically a teenager, and she was such a constant in my professional life for so many years.”
These threads—local and national, institutional and personal—form the tapestry of Minette’s legacy: build well, care deeply, challenge bravely, give freely.
The Minette Test: What Endures
Within Arts for Learning Virginia, “the Minette test” became shorthand for a standard we continue to uphold: Do the numbers add up—and does the plan serve the mission? Her leadership reminds us that strong organizations are built with transparent budgets, robust governance, and clear accountability. Just as important, she reminds us that the arts are human work—made of stories, relationships, and the belief that every child deserves access to creative expression.
To honor Minette is to continue the work she made possible:
- Champion artists as educators and partners.
- Bring the arts to classrooms where access is limited.
- Govern with integrity, balancing vision and pragmatism.
- Ask the hard questions, and answer them together.
Minette’s legacy will continue to shine in every curtain call, every classroom performance, and every creative spark she helped ignite.
With Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Minette’s family and to all who loved and worked alongside her. As John Dixon of the Academy of Music shared, “What a blow to our arts community to lose Minette so soon after Charles. This donation is in memory of Minette, a wonderful force for the arts. I’m so glad I knew her.”
Minette gave generously—of time, wisdom, and resources. In that spirit, we invite those moved by her story to support Arts for Learning Virginia and the national Young Audiences network that she helped to build and steward.
Join us in continuing Minette’s legacy by making a gift in her name today.
Your donation will support Arts for Learning Virginia programs that inspire, educate, and empower children through the arts—just as Minette envisioned. Together, we can ensure her legacy continues to shine in every performance, every workshop, and every creative spark.
