Kiersten N. Williams Named Recipient of Emmett O’Ryan Award for Artistic Inspiration
MEMPHIS – ARTSmemphis is pleased to announce artist Kiersten N. Williams as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Emmett O’Ryan Award for Artistic Inspiration. This coveted award, known as “The Emmett,” is made possible by the support of Renasant Bank.
Given annually to an outstanding visual artist by Renasant in partnership with ARTSmemphis, The Emmett recognizes excellence by honoring an artist who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing their craft. “Recipients exemplify the depth, diversity, and quality of art being created in Memphis, and amplify the work produced by visual artists in varied disciplines and media,” said Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ARTSmemphis. “As one of ARTSmemphis’ pillars is to make art more sustainable, The Emmett comes with $10,000— the largest unrestricted cash award given to a visual artist in Shelby County— to foster continued creativity and exploration."
Founded in 2010, this award was named in memory of Metropolitan (now Renasant) Bank’s founding Board Member Emmett O’Ryan. O’Ryan began his career as the owner of screen printing company Ad South and during his tenure won numerous awards for artistic excellence in the field as well as serving on the board of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) for 20 years. He was a volunteer on the School Art Board for the Mid South Fair for 25 years and designed and donated posters for The Liberty Bowl and other local charities. O’Ryan’s passion for art permeated every aspect of his life as evidenced by the extensive art collection he and his wife, Sara, amassed. Additionally, he was a musician, outdoor enthusiast, vintage car collector, and traveler, visiting art museums around the world. At the time of his death, O’Ryan was studying sculpture and pursuing an MFA at Memphis College of Art.
“Renasant is pleased to partner with ARTSmemphis each year and honor the memory of Emmett O’Ryan,” said Shawn Clayton, Mid-South Regional President, Renasant. “We are honored to be part of the O’Ryan family’s legacy and shared commitment to the arts and greater work in our community.”
2024 awardee artist Kiersten N. Williams was born and raised in Memphis. Her innate talent and creative eye were nurtured during her years attending Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, after which she earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. This unique combination of creative passion and business acumen has allowed Williams to expand her art far beyond the canvas and into other media of expression, from DJing to gardening and landscaping to serving as a community educator and convener. Each of her endeavors reflects her commitment to integrating art into every aspect of her life and surroundings.
“I believe that my body of work stands as a testament to who I am. Visual elements such as found photos, geometric shapes, bold patterns, bright colors, textures and motifs are consistently present in my art,” said Williams. “Themes such as femininity, motherhood, beauty, and race are also recurrent and explored often. Both my collaged paintings and murals radiate with vibrant, bold colors and generate an energetic presence in whatever environment they inhabit.”
Williams’ sought-after art is recognizable throughout the city including public murals and installations as well as exhibitions in galleries and hospitals. She has collaborated with a range of clients, and her work has been shown in the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the Brooks Museum, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and other esteemed institutions. Equally as impactful is the work created by connections she has forged. “As evidenced through her many workshops, classes, and mural projects, Williams’ art is a living, breathing force that transforms individuals into a community — and empowers that community to inspire and transform through creative expression,” adds Rouse.
Williams’ work is now on display at the Renasant Convention Center.
ABOUT ARTSMEMPHIS. ARTSmemphis, a 501(c)3, is the Mid-South’s primary arts funder, working behind the scenes to expand the foundation of Memphis’ arts through diligent and diverse support. The granting organization has distributed $97 million since 1963 and serves as a funding partner, advocate and connector for local artists and arts organizations. For more information, visit artsmemphis.org.
ABOUT RENASANT. Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank, a 119-year-old financial services institution. Renasant has assets of approximately $17.2 billion and operates 195 banking, lending, mortgage, wealth management and insurance offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.