Emma Garay
2025 FellowEmma Garay creates paintings centered on the emotional weight of everyday life. Her work focuses on human connection, memory, and the relationships that shape people across generations. Raised in Southern California, Garay first pursued the arts through classical ballet before turning fully toward painting. Her interest in traditional realism developed through work alongside Chapman Hamborg before continuing her studies at the Florence Academy of Art beginning in 2019, where she became a graduate-in-residence in 2023.
Seattle Prize work
Made during the fellowship. Where the process was shared, a painting opens to every stage, from first sketch on.
Earlier work
From the portfolio: work made before or outside the fellowship.