Emily was born in the hometown of Betty Friedan (Peoria), in the home state of Judy Chicago and Joan Mitchell (Illinois).  Her mother was a graphic designer, who also did arts and crafts.  Growing up with an art studio in the basement, she remembers her Mother’s painted woodworking, and her Grandmother’s crochet and quilts participating in craft fair booths, where sometimes Emily sold her own handmade objects and Christmas ornaments. 

In undergrad, Emily studied painting and photography, graduating in 2008 with a double BFA.  She left Peoria in 2011 and landed in New York for a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.  During her time in New York she worked for several collections and artists, most notably a private collection that ranks in the Top 200 in the world.  

Emily currently lives and works in Los Angeles, where she also maintains a studio practice as a collage artist.

Hello Little Milly is named after her Grandmother: Millie