Meet the Judge
Emily Andress
Emily Andress is entering her 46th year as a professional artist, working in oils and sculpture. Her work focuses on equating the past with the present using characters from history, mythology, and religion to tell stories that we are experiencing today. Based in Charlotte, NC, Emily owns Awaken Gallery in Mount Holly, NC where her studio is also located.
Andress’ style is inspired by the Florentine artists of the Italian Renaissance and the fauvist painters of Paris in the early 20th century. Both told stories but in different ways. Botticelli used mythology while the fauvists used color to convey more real life grittiness.
Andress and her work have been in many small group shows through the US, Europe, UK, and Canada. She has also had numerous solo shows in the Carolinas, Ireland, and UK. Her work has garnered many awards and collectors and can be found in the corporate collections of Walt Disney World Corporation, UPIC Health, BMG Music, Corel Corporation and Armstrong Flooring to name a few. She was also commissioned by ASC and the city of Charlotte to paint a portrait of Queen Charlotte and her baby to give as a gift to Princess Catherine and Prince William upon the birth of their daughter. Andress was also commissioned to create large community driven pieces for 7 public libraries in Charlotte and a large outdoor sculpture for Tuckaseege Park She has been a two time ArtPop winner and has had her work on the cover of numerous magazines. Andress and Awaken Gallery were featured in a 9 page spread in Ballentyne Magazine. She also created the Mount Holly Lantern Parade going into it’s 8th year showcasing the work of over 20 schools, artists, and community members. Last year boasted 1200 lanterns with supplies going to teachers for their students and purchased with money from corporate donations.
Andress graduated in 1979 with a BFA and has been working as an artist ever since. She has also taught workshops in the US, Ireland, England, and Italy with the focus on portraiture.
Andress is currently working on an installation/show at Awaken Gallery for their 7th Anniversary. She is also working with Gaston County Public art to design a series of sculptures based on storytelling to be placed around the county.