Irene Cookie McCoy's subject matter often deals with spiritual, as well as maternal and family themes. Each piece is very personal and means something special to her. When she starts a piece of sculpture, she studies her material carefully until she can see and feel what it will eventually become. She then makes a copy in clay before starting on the stone. Irene especially enjoys using alabaster from Colorado and Utah which she hand picks personally.

Irene's education in art includes courses at Texas A&M-Kingsville University, Trinity University, under Phil Evett and several years with Luis Guzman at the Southwest Craft Center. She has worked closely with well-known artist Oreland Joe, a member of the Cowboys Artists of America. Her work has been included in fine galleries and museums in Austin,San Antonio,Kerrville, Houston,Midland,Lubbock and Colorado. One of her pieces was chosen by Henry Cisneros to give to the Japanese Ambassador from the citizens of San Antonio.