Kathleen Cofoid's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Kathleen Cofoid of Ottawa, IL, one of a series with the artists whose creativity have made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Her Windmill Farm is one of 14 decorated bulldogs that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora. More information about the auction is at the end of this article.

Batavia Patch: What is the name of your bulldog and where can we see it?

Kathleen Cofoid: The name is Windmill Farm and it is on Batavia Avenue right outside Batavia Congregational Church.

Batavia Patch: Who is your sponsor?

Cofoid: Calvin and Helen Thelin 

Batavia Patch: What was your inspiration for it?

Cofoid: I read the history of Batavia and found interesting the history it had in windmills. And how the old has become the new in regards with windmill energy. I came from a long history of farming and just love painting traditional old farm scenes.

Batavia Patch: How long did it take to complete your bulldog and what media did you use?

Cofoid: We got them in April and I was finished at the end of May. I used enamels and acrylics.

Batavia Patch: How long you have been an artist?

Cofoid: I have been doing art since I was a child. I studied art though school, studied with several fine artists and self discovery.

Batavia Patch: Why you became an artist?

Cofoid: I don't think you choose to become an artist; you just are!

Batavia Patch: What is your inspiration for your art?

Cofoid: I am inspired by all kinds of things, moments. I see something, and I continue to see it in my head and it haunts me until I create it.

Batavia Patch: What media do you usually use?

Cofoid: I work in all traditional mediums—oil, acrylics, watercolor, painted and stained glass. But mostly, or lately, I am doing reverse painting on glass. But I like to keep busy working in all the mediums. I do a lot of commissioned stained glass and now I've been creating some great pieces incorporating fused and painted glass. I like to experiment and push the envelope, surprising the viewers of my art, in a good way. Something they would not expect, not shocking them in anyway, though. I have a great home studio, which allows me to work whenever the mood strikes.

Batavia Patch: What is the favorite subject for your work?

Cofoid: My favorite thing to do is anything creative, doesn't matter if it's a commission piece or being creative with my sons.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Cofoid: The public can go to kathleenfineart.webs.com, or Google my name, Kathleen Cofoid, and it will show you what I do or have done.

About the Auction

Please consider joining your friends and neighbors at a fun-filled evening Sept. 10 for the Bulldogs Unleashed Live Auction and casual dinner reception. You do not have to bid on a dog to attend! 

A $75 auction ticket gets you:

• Open Bar
• Live entertainment
• Hor d'oeuvres, appetizers and more

All proceeds from the night's event will go toward helping this city via the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, Batavia Public Library Foundation and Batavia Parks Foundation.

To purchase auction tickets, or for more information, go to bulldogsunleashed.org.