Meet Kelly M. Coffey | Creative Coach, Emergence Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly M. Coffey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly M., do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
It’s part instinct and part having reliable people around me to offer wisdom and perspective. Sometimes giving up is part of the process, it’s the part when you’ve decided to keep going with a new mindset and revised ambition.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

While my story may be sad to some, it brings me great joy and awe to share that my art, Emergence Arts, was born when one of my very close friends Ann-Marie committed suicide. My last works to her were, “I’ll call you soon.”

I not only lost her during that time, but nine other people in an eight month period. It took no time at all to acknowledge Ann-Marie gave her life so that I could get moving on mine! The deaths of all my friends and family that year inspired me to leave behind what I was doing and freelance.

My journey then was more as an emerging photographer; I wasn’t seeing myself as a visual artist or designer yet, but that’s a part of what was revealed when I finally chose to express myself unapologetically and spectacularly.

Here is where Emergence Arts stepped up and started to identify as an artist, designer, photographer, and creative career coach who saw a need to give artists a safe space to get LOUD, amplify their messages, and help elevate them to their next level. Here I found a calling to mentor emerging artists, showcasing them in art exhibitions, creative workshops, cultural exhibits, and helping them navigate a lucrative career in the arts with support, love, and resources.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to stroll thru Lower Manhattan neighborhoods, pop in and out of galleries and alleys in Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Financial District. For special out of town guests, I would jump on the ferry and visit Brooklyn Navy Yard, pick up the art stroll in Brooklyn.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A great big thanks to Alaina Joy for calling on me, Rescue Poetix for being a true friend + mentor, and shout out to Ramen Bowl of Art! I believe they have a lot to offer the arts communities of the world.

Website: www.vedhead.com

Instagram: emergence.arts

Twitter: vedhead

Facebook: thegratefulved

Image Credits
vedhead Photography
Parkchester Library NYPL
Francesca Magnani
Luisa Baptista
Simone Schroeder