Amy Keller-Rempp

Amy Keller-Rempp’s journey from a young girl captivated by wildlife art to a nationally recognized artist is nothing short of remarkable. Moving to Fort McMurray in 2009 with her husband, who was working for an engineering firm, Amy quickly found a new home in this welcoming community. Today, she runs Keller Rempp Art Inc., where she uses her unique talents to create breathtaking works of art by painting and grinding metal. What sets her apart, however, is not just her artistic skill but her commitment to using art as a tool for healing, community engagement, and inspiration.

Born in Belleville, Ontario, and raised in the small town of Denbigh, Amy’s artistic journey began at the age of five. Despite receiving formal instruction at the School of Fine Art in Haliburton, she was encouraged to pursue her art independently. Her early years were marked by hard work, seasonal jobs, and a deep love for painting, especially as a way to cope with her father’s debilitating battle with Multiple Sclerosis. When her father passed away in 2004, Amy was devastated, and her grief led to a period of deep depression. But through the support of friends, her faith, and her art, Amy began to heal. Today, she looks back on that difficult time as a formative experience that deepened her connection to her work and gave her the strength to push forward.

Amy’s art is more than just a career—it’s a passion that allows her to live her childhood dream. She defied the naysayers who told her that wildlife art wouldn’t pay the bills, and through perseverance, she has built a successful business. “I am living my purpose in life,” she says. “Creating art allows me to release emotions, connect with my true self, and grow as an individual, mother, and wife.” Her work is now recognized nationally and internationally, and she’s proud to be able to provide a better life for her family through her artistic talents.

In addition to her success as an artist, Amy is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported her. She has donated countless paintings to fundraising efforts and launched her own campaigns, such as the one following the 2020 flood in Fort McMurray, based on her painting Angels Among Us. Her more recent campaign centred around her painting Carried With Love, has raised over $10,000 and continues to make a difference. Amy also shares her love of art through teaching, and conducting paint classes with elders, Indigenous groups, athletes, and even entire classrooms of students. Her goal is to inspire others to use art as a means of expressing emotions and healing from within.

Amy credits her success not only to her talent and hard work but to the unwavering support of her family and close network of friends. Her husband, who has been by her side throughout her journey, and her friends who help with everything from creating videos to selling merchandise, are her backbone. “Their help with my kids and tasks that are not my strengths allows me to focus on what I’m good at,” she says. This support has enabled her to take on bigger challenges and make a lasting impact on both her art career and the community.

Looking to the future, Amy’s goals are focused on balance and growth. While her career continues to flourish, she hopes to spend more time with her family and make an even greater impact on her community. One of her major upcoming projects is creating art for the 2025 Calgary Stampede, a significant milestone in her career. Amy also plans to continue donating her artwork to support local charities and fundraisers, ensuring that her success contributes to the well-being of others.

At the heart of Amy’s work is the belief that art can bring people together and foster healing. Whether she’s teaching a painting class, participating in a live art demonstration, or simply selling a puzzle or mug featuring her designs, Amy sees firsthand how art can create smiles, joy, and connection. She’s especially passionate about reaching young people, showing them that art can be a powerful outlet for their emotions, just as it was for her when she faced her own challenges.

In today’s fast-paced world, Amy recognizes the difficulties facing youth, from intergenerational trauma to the isolating effects of technology and the dangers of drug use. She hopes her story of overcoming personal loss and achieving success through art can serve as an inspiration to others who feel lost. “Love, God, and my art helped me overcome,” she says. Through her work, Amy continues to share that message of hope, proving that art can not only change lives—it can save them.

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