An inspirational Southport artist who removes barriers to art in the community has been celebrated for her work alongside other small and micro businesses across the UK by Small Business Britain with a special lunch at the House of Lords in London.
Former NHS nurse Emmeline Porter – well known under her artist name ‘Emmy Oranges’ – is the founder of both Art Ease Northwest CIC and also Emmy Oranges Illustration.
January has been a month of celebration for Emmy, after she was named as a Finalist in the prestigious 2026 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.
Emmeline has been shortlisted for Artist / Creative of the Year.
She is busy making an impact in the local community, establishing Art Ease CIC, a grassroots non-profit organisation.
Art Ease removes barriers to the arts, reduces isolation and loneliness, and supports people with their wider wellbeing through the facilitation of accessible creative wellbeing workshops in the North West.
Emmy Oranges Illustration meanwhile sees Emmeline blend hand-drawn texture with digital illustration, inspired by nature, food, and wellbeing, with a focus on human connection and care.
She works with brands, publishers, and community-led organisations across illustration, branding, print, and social content.
Emmeline is among local creatives who operate from the Big Onion space in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street in Southport town centre, which was created by Merseyside Expanding Horizons last year.
Emmeline said: “Well, what a day!
“I was invited along for lunch at the House of Lords by Small Business Britain – to celebrate the work they do with small and micro businesses as well as Sole Traders in the UK, and to treat the people who run them!
“We heard from Blair McDougall MP the Minister for Small Businesses as well as Michelle Ovens CBE and Kate Hayward.
“I met so many incredible business owners who amazingly shared similar struggles and goals as myself despite running totally different businesses in totally different parts of the country!
“We may think our issues affect just us but you’d be surprised to hear many people at different stages of their careers struggle with exactly the same things – and staying connected with like-minded people has been so important to me!
“We were treated to fizz, cakes, nibbles and stunning views of the Thames, and I’m leaving feeling so incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in this short space of time, and excited about where my businesses will take me and our community in the next 12 months!
“I will most certainly be back – and let this be a reminder that if you’ve been thinking you’re too small to do something big, you’re not – there are people and places out there who can support you to be the best you can be.”
- For more details about ArtEase CIC please visit: Art Ease
- For more details about Emmy Oranges Illustration please visit: Emmy Oranges
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