Honoring the life, art, and creative legacy of Alena Hennessy.
A Life Devoted to Creativity
Alena Hennessy believed that creativity was our birthright. That art could open our hearts, connect us to ourselves and one another, and help us discover beauty in even the most unexpected places.
For more than two decades, she shared that belief with thousands of students around the world, inviting them to explore color, intuition, nature, and the joy of making something uniquely their own.
Alena was an artist, author, teacher, and visionary. She was also a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose presence changed the lives of so many.
On September 5, 2026, Alena passed away after a brief journey with ovarian cancer.
Although her physical presence is deeply missed, the beauty she created lives on.
A Personal Message from Alena’s sister, Dyana
A Letter to Alena’s Community
In October 2026, I shared a personal letter with Alena’s creative community about her passing, the beauty she brought into the world, and the extraordinary legacy she left behind.
I shared memories of our childhood, the gift of seeing beauty through our mother Jane’s eyes, and my promise to carry Alena’s work forward.
I invite you to read that letter and share in the love, creativity, and gratitude that continue to guide Alena Hennessy Studios.
Read My Letter: The Beauty Alena Left Us ✨
With Gratitude to Emberlight
In the final chapter of her life, Alena was surrounded by extraordinary love and care at Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living & Dying in North Carolina.
Emberlight provided a sacred, peaceful space where Alena could approach the end of her life with intention, dignity, and the loving presence of family, friends, and community.
Their compassion allowed us to focus on what mattered most: simply being with Alena.
Emberlight provides this extraordinary care at no cost to the individuals and families they serve, relying on the generosity of their community.
In keeping with Alena’s wishes, once Alena Hennessy Studios is financially stable, we intend to make ongoing contributions to Emberlight in gratitude for the extraordinary care they provided our family.
It is our hope that, as Alena’s creative legacy continues to grow, we can help make that same compassionate care possible for other families.
If you feel moved to honor Alena’s memory, we invite you to support Emberlight directly.
Learn About Emberlight | Make a Gift in Alena’s Memory
Carrying Her Work Forward
My hope is not simply to preserve Alena’s work, but to help it continue traveling through the world.
Alena Hennessy Studios is entering a new chapter, rooted in the same spirit of beauty, creativity, and connection that Alena shared so generously throughout her life.
Her online classes remain available, allowing both longtime students and those discovering her work for the first time to continue learning from her remarkable artistic vision.
Looking ahead, I envision a creative home that brings together Alena’s teachings, original artwork, and a growing community of artists and educators. Through new classes, collaborations, and immersive creative retreats in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley, I hope to create opportunities for people to gather, explore, and find inspiration together.
Our mother, Jane, whose love of beauty helped shape both of us, will also have a place in the studio through her own artwork and creative expression.
I cannot fill Alena’s shoes, and I am not meant to. But I am honored to carry forward what she entrusted to me, nurturing what she created while allowing something new and beautiful to grow.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and for helping the beauty live on.
Explore Alena’s Online Classes | Discover Alena Hennessy Studios
