Long-time Saturday Art Instructor Passes Away

Michael-Cookinham-100x100Michael Dee Burtnett Cookinham, 73, a beloved art instructor who taught the Saturday Painting class since 1999 and was dedicated to his students and their success, passed away on October 16 following a brief illness, reports Sheila Metcalf-Tobin, Art Department Chair.

“Michael faithfully supported his students’ self expression and creative process in many ways, including organizing an art show and sale of the students’ work to celebrate the end of each semester,” says Sheila. “He and his students also created a Facebook page, Michael Dee Cookinham’s Painting Class, where you can see some of the  shows.”Michael Screen Shot 2015-10-25 at 11.29.40 AM

In the posting of some of his students’ art work (right), Michael commented: “Thanks so much to my wonderful painters, makes it all worthwhile.”

Michael is survived by his wife, Victoria Sears, stepsons Ian and Seth Sears, and a brother, Frank Burtnett.

For information about plans to honor Michael’s life and service to the college, contact Sheila at smetcalftobin@peralta.edu.