Cora graduated from UC Berkeley with one BA in Painting, and another BA in History of Art.  She also holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing, and she has been active in healthcare delivery, administration, and education in Siskiyou County for over 30 years. Currently retired, she has devoted even more of her time to the joy of creating.  She states, “Even though I have done many things throughout my life, much of how I experience the world is through the eye of the artist.”   
 
Starting out as a painter, Cora has become inspired by the possibilities offered by other mediums.  She enjoys capturing the splendor of the outdoors through digital photography and immersing herself in the tactile experience of ceramic sculpture and sculpted jewelry.  Since her retirement, Cora has once again embraced her first love, that of watercolor, and she is developing a series of paintings depicting local scenery and community activities. ​

Since she was first old enough to hold a crayon, Cora Brownell has enjoyed creating and viewing artwork.  As a lifelong art enthusiast, she has traveled to many parts of the world to view, enjoy, and study artistic works.  Having lived half her life in Siskiyou County, California, Cora is inspired by the beauty of the local mountains, valleys, waterways, and the community, and her experiences are reflected in her work.  
 
Cora actively participates in local arts events, and she enjoys promoting and collecting the pieces made by other artists she has come to meet and know personally. She states, “We are fortunate that there is a tremendous amount of talent in our area.” 
 
Encouraged by family, friends, and educators, Cora began formal art training when she was 10 years old.  Cora’s professional career started at the age of 17 as an illustrator for newspaper ads, and she has worked throughout her life informally and professionally as a fine artist and illustrator.  
 

Cora’s creations have made their way into homes and businesses locally, nationally, and internationally.  She is a long-time member of the Marble Rim Gallery in Fort Jones, where her work is on continuous display.  Cora has recently shown pieces at Liberty Arts in Yreka, Siskiyou Arts Museum in Dunsmuir and in the Siskiyou Arts Association annual art show. One of her photos can be seen on permanent display at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka.   
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Cora is very pleased to share the beauty she enjoys with others, and she says, “The communication that happens among us, artists and viewers, stimulates us deeply in lasting ways that are beyond words.”​