Emily Rainsford was born and grew up in Athy, Co. Kildare. A third generation painter, and second of nine children, there was always art and painting in their home. After completing school in Athy, Emily spent a year at Grennan Mill Craft School, Thomastown, two years in Crawford College of Art, Cork, and two years in Cluain Mhuire, G.M.I.T., Galway.
She now lives in Ahascragh, near Ballinasloe in Co. Galway with her husband, a basketmaker, and three boys. Emily teaches art to adults and children, and at present is teaching three adult painting classes during the week. Their group, Ahascragh Painters, is under the patronage of Ahascragh native and international milliner, Philip Treacy.
