Phyllis Keenan is an award-winning artist, designer, writer, and photographer whose creative journey spans portraiture, travel photography, and the visual storytelling arts. Originally from Connecticut, she built a successful career as a portrait photographer before relocating to Colorado, where she now divides her time between the vibrant landscapes of Denver and the rich cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico.

Her passion for photography was sparked early in life through the influence of Life magazine’s legendary photojournalists. That same documentary eye continues to shape her unique portrait/photojournalism style, which she has brought to over 500 special events and countless portraits of families, children, executives, and community gatherings.

Phyllis’ work has been featured in coffee table books and publications including The New York Times, The Denver Post (Travel Section), Bridal Style, Bon Appétit, Horse and Rider, Connecticut Living, Living in Stamford, and Echelon magazines. Her clients range from corporations and media outlets to private individuals, and her expertise also extends to art consulting, curating exhibitions, and teaching. She has led portrait workshops at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and continues to share her knowledge through community engagement.

A lifelong learner, Phyllis earned a B.A. in English/Writing from Western Connecticut State University and an M.S. in Business/Human Resource Management from Mercy College, New York. She refined her photographic craft at the New England School of Professional Photography and through professional experience in fine art galleries and photography studios across California, New York City, Connecticut, and Colorado.

Beyond her artistry, Phyllis is a diversity facilitator, teacher, and volunteer engagement manager who believes in the power of creativity to build connection and cultural understanding. Whether at home tending her Denver garden, traveling the globe, or photographing the human experience, she is dedicated to creating images that capture both place and relationship with authenticity and heart.

Exhibitions:

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, Connecticut

Connecticut Photographics, Danbury Connecticut

Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado, 2020-2023

Governor’s Mansion, Denver, Colorado

Next Gallery, “Perseverance” 2023, Denver, Colorado

Sono Gallery, “Trees”, New York City, 2023

Tennyson Street Coffee , Mudd Club Annual Exhibit, Denver, Colorado

Art Students League of Denver, Denver Month of Photography, 2025

Curtis Center for the Arts, Denver Month of Photography, 2025