Wendy Cooper of Wendy Cooper Gallery prefers to show conceptual painting, drawing and photography that synthesizes current events. Be it figurative or abstract, she wants artists to pare down work to the essence of a message or idea. Younger art dealers can't quite put their finger on Cooper, since she's twice their age. She meshes well with artists and collectors, but collaborations or competition with other dealers change based on their perception of who she is. "We do our best work and then it goes out into the world. People will think what they want."

Centerstage Reviewer: Chris Benevich