Fiber Artist, Emily McKenna
Category: Place Imperial Hotel
Emily is a fiber and collage artist located in Thomasville, GA. She graduated with degrees in Economics and Math, but it was her creative parents who encouraged her from early childhood, giving her a sense of self and confidence that led her to return to art to feel grounded and present regularly. In 2014, Emily opened YOU’RE MAKER, a sewing and art studio for children, allowing them to learn skills and gain the confidence she found in making as a child. After selling her business in 2021, Emily took the plunge and is now a full-time artist. She is inspired by street art, architecture, feminism, antiques, and double entendre to create art that primarily explores the idea of identity and belonging. Emily chose The Imperial Hotel as the subject for her quilt because it was the only hotel in the area listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed services and establishments safe for black travelers to patronize. The Imperial Hotel had 8 rooms, a cafe, and a barbershop that served travelers and residents of the Bottom.
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