the artist
A third generation artist whose art career spans 48 years, Emilie Rhys has for the last 13 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.
Two new pages on this website highlight the best of current available Rhys art. “On View at 1036 Royal” has a selection of the art displayed at the storefront gallery in the French Quarter, and “The Café at The Collection” showcases the twelve Rhys drawings on display at The Historic New Orleans Collection Café. Please note: the Café is temporarily closed. Soon as we hear of the reopening date, will post it here.
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.
news & events
Emilie Rhys to be panelist at 2024 New Orleans Book Festival, Tulane U.
Emilie Rhys has been invited to speak about her book “New Orleans Music Observed” at the 2024 New Orleans Book Festival. March 15, 2024 at noon she will share a panel with John H. Lawrence, and the moderator will be filmmaker/author Rebecca Snedeker.
Emilie Rhys profiled in Country Roads Magazine by Sophie Nau
January 29, 2024: This new feature explores Rhys’ history with her father Noel Rockmore, her development as an artist and discusses where she honed her skills to work live in public.
1000 Block of Royal Art Stroll
DECEMBER 16-17, 2023 The artist-run galleries in the 1000 block of Royal Street will have special...