About Emmy Kenny
Artist, Educator, Community Organizer
Emmy Kenny is a multi-disciplinary artist & educator with a community-based practice that uses art, crafts, and events as tools for empowerment, self connection, and community building. With over 15 years of teaching experience, a lifelong passion for art, and a drive to be of service to those around her, Emmy's community practice and art practice are holistically intertwined.
Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Emmy attended two intensive arts magnet schools before moving to the Midwest for college. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Fiber from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2014, she returned to her hometown of West Palm Beach. She taught at her former high school as an artist-in-residence for three years, where she discovered her love for teaching and passion for LGBTQ+ youth advocacy. Those passions have led her to collaborate with incredible organizations focused on empowering and uplifting marginalized communities.
Emmy now works as a freelance artist and lives with her partner in Los Angeles, California.
CV
Employment
2023 - Present
Freelance Artist & Designer
Graphic design, illustration, window display installations, custom bar tops & signage, murals, workshop instruction, face painting, website design, and event design. Some clients include La Ligne, the Hilton, CityPlace, Rhythm & Hues, and the Kravis Center.
2023 - Present
Social Impact Storyteller
Rohi's Readery
Design nearly all visual elements of the brand, including promotional materials, website, merchandise, and interior spaces. Developed and taught workshops for children, teens, and adults. Helped coordinate an LGBTQ+ summer day camp in 2023, annual Family Pride Festivals, and launch of the nonprofit initiative.
2023 - 2024
Teaching Artist
Norton Museum of Art
Taught art workshops for museum visitors grades K-12. Developed lesson plans and modified the lesson plans of others to my teaching style. Lessons were connected to artworks and concepts featured in the museum.
2023 - 2024
Director of Creative Expression
CampOUT Florida
Led the Creative Expression department, which included creating lesson plans focused on identity & empowerment for teens, creating supply orders, managing inventory, training & overseeing CE staff, and overall management of the art classroom.
2016 - 2019
Artist-in-Residence
Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Taught high school art classes including printmaking, senior studio, AP art, and filmmaking. Developed lesson plans, curricula, supply lists and student-specific projects. Sponsored the Gender & Sexuality Alliance.
Community Engagement & Honors
2023 - Present
2022 - Present
2023 - 2024
2024
2024
2021 - 2023
2022
2020
2017 - 2019
2018
2015 - 2016
2014
Board Member, Rohi's Liberation Station
Co-Founder & Co-President, Nicolas Gogan Foundation
Board Member, CampOUT Florida
Palm Beach County School District's "We're All In" Champion for Equity in Education Award
CampOUT Florida voted Favorite Local LGBTQ+ Youth Event
Pride on the Block Planning Committee
Fashion on the Block Lead Coordinator
Executive Director, Hospitality Helping Hands
Co-Founder and Board Member, Haus of QUOTA
Founder, Queer Book Club
Co-Editor, Bohemian Magazine Volume II
Designer, West 18th Street Fashion Show
Education
2014
BFA
Kansas City Art Institute
Major in Fiber Art
Courses: Art History, Creative Writing, Filmmaking, Textile & Garment Design, Sculpture. Studied abroad in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand in 3-week program focusing on traditional Vietnamese textiles and the Vietnam War.
2010
High School Diploma
Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Major in Visual Art
Dreyfoos is an nationally-ranked, award-winning high school in West Palm Beach, Florida. Students must be chosen through an audition process specific to their chosen arts major to attend.
2006
Bak Middle School of the Arts
Major in Visual Art
Bak is ranked #4 out of all Florida public middle schools. Students must be chosen through an audition process specific to their chosen arts major to attend.