A talented Southport artist who inspires people to develop a passion for art has been honoured as a Finalist in the Sefton Arts Award sponsored by Fitton Estates.
Emmy Porter was celebrated for her impressive work making a difference in the local community at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
She was among local heroes in the spotlight across 13 separate categories.
Emmy makes an invaluable contribution to her local community by securing funding to put on mindful workshops for the vulnerable and isolated. A concept she has pioneered.
In January, Emmy was 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.
The former NHS nurse – well known under her artist name ‘Emmy Oranges’ – is the founder of both Art Ease Northwest CIC and also Emmy Oranges Illustration.
January was a big month of celebration for Emmy, after she was named as a Finalist in the prestigious 2026 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.
She was 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 Emmy blend hand-drawn texture with digital illustration, inspired by nature, food, and wellbeing, with a focus on human connection and care.
Emmy is among local creatives who operate from the Big Onion space in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street in Southport town centre, created by Merseyside Expanding Horizons last year.
Shortly after the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, Art Ease CIC was shortlisted for the Mission Possible Award at The Small Awards 2026, recognising social enterprises that put their mission at the heart of everything they do.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
To submit your nomination for next year’s awards visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
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