the artist
A third generation artist whose art career spans 47 years, Emilie Rhys has for the last 12 years focused on developing iconic signature artworks of musicians during live performances in New Orleans. Pencil & ink on paper (using mechanical pencils and fountain pens) is her preferred live action medium. She is also a lifelong painter in oils, a portraitist whose preference for direct live observation of her models in the studio is among the factors that distinguish her work among her contemporaries. Selections of drawings and paintings are available for purchase on this website in “Purchase,” and in person at Scene By Rhys Fine Art, her 1036 Royal Street storefront (between St. Philip and Ursuline Streets in the French Quarter).
The New Orleans Jazz Museum exhibited a selection of her oils from January 30, 2020 to November 7, 2021 in their show “New Orleans Music Observed: The Art of Noel Rockmore and Emilie Rhys.” The exhibit and more can be seen in the new book of the same name Ms. Rhys published in July 2021.
In the twelve years that Ms. Rhys has been in New Orleans, she has established herself as an artist with a unique devotion to the world of music in this magical city. During this time, she has also created drawings and paintings of other themes, such as French Quarter rooftops, floral still-lifes and portraits of non-musicians.
Visit the SHOP now to vew the art, find something for your own walls, or to give as a gift!
Visit ABOUT THE ARTIST to learn about her family in art and her own path—despite all odds—to become a successful person and creative force.
Visit ON THE SCENE to see Rhys around town with musicians and fellow music fans, working in public, and to inquire about future opportunities to observe her working in music venues.
View her CV to peruse a list of her professional activities and news media coverage.
Join the gallery MAILING LIST to be notified of news, upcoming events and special promotions.
Coming soon: PROCESS will explore her methods and unique approach to art making. PAST WORKS will provide a glimpse into the artworks of her past and how they lead into her current oeuvre.
news & events
Emilie Rhys to be Distinguished Speaker at St. Tammany Library Foundation Dinner
Starting at 6pm at the fundraiser’s Patron Party, the evening continues at 7pm with a seated dinner during which Ms. Rhys will talk about three generations of artists in her family while showing pictures and telling stories. There will be a particular focus on her relationship with her father Noel Rockmore.
“New Orleans Music Observed” Featured in Scott Yanow Book Review
The Syncopated Times, July 2022 Issue. Journalist Scott Yanow reviews the book produced by Emilie Rhys in 2021, “New Orleans Music Observed.”
The Musical Art of Emilie Rhys and Noel Rockmore Featured in New Book
OffBeat Magazine, December 2021 Issue. Journalist and author John Wirt recently spent some time in conversation with Emilie Rhys, delving into her life and work and that of her late father Noel Rockmore, and about her new book “New Orleans Music Observed.”
historic location
Located at 1036 Royal Street—between St. Philip and Ursuline Streets in the historic French Quarter—Scene By Rhys Fine Art resides in the ground-floor storefront of a beautiful salmon pink townhouse with graceful cast iron galleries above it. Pay us a visit in person and spend a moment gazing upon the latest artworks to emerge from the studio of this exciting artist: Emilie Rhys.
Open by appointment only–click on the “Contact Us” button and use the contact form to request an appointment any day of the week.
"New Orleans Music Observed," published in 2021 by Emilie Rhys
