Sandra Koop-Small

pronounced (Cope)

Sandra Koop: The Heart and Soul of Florida Art

A true Florida native, Sandra Koop was more than an artist—she was a storyteller, a mentor, and a gentle force of compassion whose creativity echoed the spirit of her beloved home state. Born and raised in South Florida, Sandra’s deep connection to the land and its people flowed through every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every mural she brought to life.

Sandra’s artistic gifts were remarkable and multifaceted. As a painter, she captured the wild serenity of Florida’s marshes, the bold colors of its coastlines, and the quiet dignity of its wildlife. As a sculptor, she molded memory and meaning into forms that felt both timeless and rooted in place. And as a muralist, she transformed walls into windows—offering glimpses into the soul of Florida through sweeping, vibrant public art.

But Sandra was not only a creator—she was a teacher and nurturer of talent. Whether in formal classrooms or informal gatherings, she generously shared her knowledge, encouraging young artists and helping others find their voice. She had a gift for seeing potential and inspiring confidence. Her students remember her not just for her skill, but for her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in the power of art to heal and uplift.

Sandra Koop’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Florida’s cultural landscape. Her work continues to breathe life into the spaces she touched, and her spirit lives on in every student she inspired, every viewer she moved, and every friend who knew her warmth.

She was—and remains—an enduring symbol of artistic excellence, compassion, and Florida pride.

To help fight against Pancreatic Cancer Please donate for Sandra to: pancan.org or burzynskiclinic.com Soon we will be launching a foundation in honor of Sandra, so keep posted.

“Being a native Floridian, I have a deep respect for nature and a love for Florida’s subtle and beautiful landscape.Striving to capture the mesmerizing beauty of first last light, the greens, blues and whites and the spirit of Florida’s landscape is primary motivation for my paintings. I feel as if I am always chasing that desire.”

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BIOGRAPHY:

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ringling College of Art in Sarasota, and a Masters of Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art, Graduate School of Figurative Art in New York City.

She has received several awards and scholarships in Fine Art. Sandra has been an art educator at the DeLand Museum Cultural Art Center and has taught art to children at the Ringling School of Art & Design.She has exhibited in Sarasota Art Association, Florida Avenue Studio Group, Out-of-Door Academy, Art Forms Gallery and Sweet Basil Gallery among many others.

She has completed several Commissioned sculptures including a series of Bronze sea-life sculptures for Hubbs/Sea World Research Center and Discovery Cove in Florida.

Sandra was a Professor of Fine Arts at Both Seminole State College and Stetson University, and was an invited art instructor at the Atlantic Center for the Arts.

She has had several major mural commissions for Businesses and State Parks in Florida, including Smyrna Dunes Park and DeLeon Springs state park to name a few.

Sandra Sculpting