Today we’d like to introduce you to Noreen Coup.
Hi Noreen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Winter Garden Art Association (WGAA) was founded in 2013 by local residents Mary Keating and Elizabeth McKinney, who brought together a group of community members dedicated to fostering the visual arts in Winter Garden, Florida. What began as a grassroots effort quickly took root with strong city support: the organization leased the historic former fire station at 127 South Boyd Street for a nominal fee and opened its doors that fall as the 127 SOBO Art Gallery (named for its South Boyd location).
The building itself carries deep local significance. Constructed in 1938 during the Great Depression with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds secured by Mayor George Walker, it was designed from the amateur architectural drawings of young college student Franklin Cappleman. For decades it served as Winter Garden’s original fire station, later housing the city’s Recreation Department and various businesses. Today it preserves that heritage while serving a new purpose as the vibrant home of the Winter Garden Art Association and SOBO Art Gallery.
For its first five years, WGAA operated strictly as a volunteer organization. Guided by a clear vision—to become integral to the community’s cultural and educational framework and to positively impact the City of Winter Garden now and into the future—the association has grown into a cornerstone of local arts, offering exhibitions, classes, workshops, and opportunities for artists of all ages.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any grassroots arts organization, there have certainly been challenges along the way. In the early years we operated strictly as a volunteer group, so everything—from hanging shows and running classes to managing the building—relied on a small group of dedicated people giving their time. Balancing that with limited space in the old fire station has always been a practical struggle; we regularly receive far more submissions than we can exhibit, and we’ve had to turn away a large percentage of work simply because the walls and floors can only hold so much.
Funding is another ongoing reality for any nonprofit arts organization. Sustaining free public access, educational programs, and community outreach while keeping the lights on takes constant effort through grants, fundraising, and the generosity of supporters.
What has made the difference is the tremendous support we’ve received from the City of Winter Garden, the broader community, and the artists themselves. Everyone has worked together—city staff and elected officials, local businesses, donors, volunteers, and the artists who fill our walls—to turn those challenges into opportunities. That collaborative spirit is what has allowed SOBO Gallery and the Winter Garden Art Association to grow and thrive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Noreen Coup, a former architectural/interior design professional, is a self-taught Artist. Her passion for painting and drawing began while living in Paris from 2000-2002. She has a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design/Architecture from Woodbury University, Los Angeles.
Noreen currently has Gallery presence at The Winter Garden Art Association, where she serves as Chairman of the Board Member for the 2026-2028 term. She was a founding member of the WGAA since 2013.
My work has been exhibited in numerous Gallery including, France, Florida, California, New York and San Miguel d’Allende.
Former member of McRae Art Studios in Orlando from 2015 – 2019. Most resent Award presented by Duke Energy as Best of Show, Canvas of Dreams exhibit at SOBO Gallery, Winter Garden, FL. She is an award-winning artist participating in juried Art Festivals including The Winter Park Fall Festival 2025, Indian Wells Art Festival in 2022, Windermere Art Festivals and the Winter Park Winter Festival, 2018. She has taught classes for Crealde School of Art, Winter Park, FL. and the Winter Garden Art Association, as well as hosting travel workshops in France, Italy and San Miguel Allende, MX. Upon her return to Winter Garden, FL in 2024, she has resumed teaching at The Winter Garden Art Association and the Art Room in Windermere, Florida. She was represented with Gallery 32789 Winter Park, FL.,
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am identical twin, growing up in the San Fernando Valley in California, yes a “Valley Girl”. We were four siblings with a station wagon, enjoying the California life style. High School Marching Band, Majorette, My interest in design started from my fathers textile business. This grew into a degree and career of Interior Design. And later in life my Artist side emerged.
Pricing:
- 300-3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wgart.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobogallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=winter%20garden%20art%20association
- LinkedIn: Winter Garden Art Association
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=winter+garden+art+association
