Art Consulting Firm, Picture That LLC, Wins Supplier of the Year Award
Left: Tatiana Paredes; Supplier Diversity Program Coordinator, Saint Francis Hospital. Right: Valerie A. Cooper; Art Consultant & Appraiser, Picture That, LLC
Stamford, Connecticut (May 8, 2014) Picture That, a corporate full-service art consulting firm founded by Valerie A. Cooper, was named Supplier of the Year during the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council's (GNEMSDC) Annual Awards Gala on May 6.
Cooper's firm was one of three nominees in the category based on similar-sized businesses. GNEMSDC recognized Picture That for its growth in sales and employment; high-quality products and services at competitive prices; and contributions to the growth and development of the overall community.
In making the nomination for the GNEMSDC award, Robert Falaguerra, vice president for facilities, support services and construction at St. Francis Hospital, noted: "Valerie and her firm did a splendid job evaluating the art and complying with our wishes while maintaining the established budget. It was a pleasure working with Valerie who selected, framed and installed the art in our new building."
"I am honored that my firm won the supplier of the year award," Cooper said, "and I extend a special 'thank you' to the St. Francis Hospital Facilities Team for the nomination." When renovations are complete in July for Saint Francis Hospital's five-floor, 57,753 square-foot facility, employees and visitors will see 72 works of art comprising tranquil scenes of sunflowers and autumnal foliage; sunrises and sunsets; local and regional waterscapes; and current cityscapes as well as vintage photos from Hartford's past. "It is designed to be a visually stimulating yet educationally attractive collection, whose mission is to reflect the culture, history and surroundings of St. Francis Hospital, an integral part of the Hartford community for more than 100 years, Cooper explained.
Picture That's foray into Connecticut's health-care market began in 2010 when it was retained as a primary art vendor for Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) to outfit a new facility on the New Haven campus. Picture That has since installed art in several facilities for YNHHS's extensive network of affiliates including Smilow Cancer Center; and Bridgeport Hospital's Ahlbin Rehabilitation and Industrial Medical Centers.
"The health-care industry is currently our busiest and fastest-growing area as hospitals and other health-care providers aggressively construct new facilities and undertake major renovations to meet the growing demands for, and changes in, the delivery of health-care services," Cooper said.
The GNEMSDC honor is the latest accolade for Cooper. In April, the Fairfield and Westchester County Business Journals presented the Stamford entrepreneur with a 2014 Women Making an Impact Award.
About Picture That LLC
Picture That LLC, also known as Picture That Art, was established in 2002 in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in art consulting, appraisal, collection, management and curatorial services for corporations, healthcare organizations and academic institutions nationwide. The firm has assembled an extensive team of art professionals including designers, art handlers, appraisers, restoration specialists and fine art trained technologists. In addition, artwork by a diverse composite of established and emerging artists are used to implement award-winning solutions.
To view more photos from the GNEMSDC 2014 Awards Gala, visit our Facebook album.
