the artist
A third generation artist whose art career spans 49 years, Emilie Rhys has for the last 14 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.
“On View at 1036 Royal” provides a selection of the art displayed at the storefront gallery in the French Quarter. This includes both framed and unframed art, and multiple mediums and genres. More art is being added regularly.
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 book of the same name, published by Ms. Rhys in July 2021.
In the fourteen 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 profiled in French Quarter Journal by Michael Warner
January 11, 2025: This new feature provides background on Rhys’ history with her father Noel Rockmore, her development as an artist on Jackson Square in New Orleans in 1977, and discusses how she honed her skills to work live in public.
Scene By Rhys Participates in Art Stroll
November 25, 2024: Thanksgiving Weekend Art Stroll—1000 Block of Royal Street, New Orleans. Fri-Sat Nov. 29-30, Sun Dec. 1, from 11am-5pm.
Emilie Rhys Oil Painting on “CARAVAN” Album
July 16, 2024: Emilie Rhys has completed the cover art of Mahmoud Chouki’s new album “CARAVAN: From Marrakech to New Orleans,” produced by Gallatin Street Records in New Orleans
historic location
Located at 1036 Royal Street—between St. Philip and Ursulines 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 nearly every day–loosely from 11am to 4pm, or by appointment. Tap the “Contact Us” button and use the contact form to request an appointment for a convenient day and time.
"New Orleans Music Observed," published in 2021 by Emilie Rhys
