[2][3] A graduate of Barnard College, Cohen studied sculpture with James Earle Fraser at the Art Students League and at the Cooper Union.

[5] Before 1913 the American Museum of Natural History provided monies to Cohen so that she and other artists could travel to the southwest to study individuals from six Native American tribes to capture their clothes and features.

The sketches that she presented to the museum so that they could assess her skills before sending her to the southwest resulted in the Hopi Relay Runner.

Cohen was also a member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors, New York Architectural League and the Society of Independent Artists.

[10] Her work was also part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1928 Summer Olympics.