Artists Guild Feature Member: Joan Cook

Joan Cook received her first Art Award as a high school student at Quincy Notre Dame. There she expressed her love of art in the art classes and some of her work was chosen for the high school yearbook. 
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​She worked at Gardner Denver for many years, and earned great respect for her dedication and her love of art.  Her skills were recognized and she assumed various positions where her competence and prowess could be used to showcase the company’s products, all the while enjoying milestones in employees’ careers. 

She was known for the personal cards she painted to celebrate birthdays! These were cherished by all her coworkers and other employees. 
She continued to be interested in learning and participated in correspondence courses in art in many media including pen and ink, oil, pastel and watercolor.
Later on, after her retirement, she focused mainly on watercolor. 
Watercolor can be very challenging, but Joan continued to awe the community. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her talent in the tristate area and beyond, and some of her work is on display in offices and homes throughout Quincy. 
Dr. Zakiahh Ali, Artist Guild President, explains, “Joan’s passion for painting flows from the joy she feels in creating an image that moves her spirit. Ever a humble and kind person, she has no reservations about teaching art to a beginner. She is so willing and has such an easy smile, sitting down with known and unknown people, teaching and encouraging and building a rapport that is unique.” 
A mother and an artist par excellence, Joan devoted her life to the upbringing of her children and saw that they all received a fine education including arts. 
She explains, “My mission in life is to let my children and grandchildren follow their dreams, stay humble, be strong and be kind. That is what is most important for us all.” 
Quincy Artists Guild is proud to celebrate Joan Cook as a long time member and past president of the organization. 

Join the Artists Guild! 
The Quincy Artists Guild is open to new members who are interested in learning more about art in a supportive and sharing environment! The group meets weekly on Mondays from 9-11 am at the Cheryl Loatsch Studio at 334 S. 48th Street. For more information, call President, Dr. Zakiahh Ali at 217-440-3331.

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