By Diane Murphy
Write a dream down and watch it come true. That’s what Greenville artist Lacey Hennessey has done, and it’s changed everything.
Her business, Hennessey in the Home, has evolved over time, starting with custom artwork, printed wedding materials and florals. These days, she’s dabbled in almost everything. “I’m not a conventional artist,” she says. “I call myself a chameleon of the arts.”
In December 2018, Hennessey wrote a goal via social media. “I was in New York City and posted on Instagram that my goal was to do a public mural,” she says. “In March, I got a message from the owner of Tipsy Taco in Clemson looking to do a mural. I think if you put it out into the world, it will come back to you. I’m a big manifestor.”
Since March 2019, she’s done more than 20 murals. Her creations are popping up in Greenville hot spots like Urban Wren and Hoppin’. It’s made her a true believer that you can do anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is dream big — like 50-foot wall big.
Hennessey is a self-taught artist from Maryland. She moved to the area to attend Clemson University. Her career started with event marketing in Greenville while running a creative side business.
“The real reason I wanted to work for myself was because I’m obsessed with travel,” she says. “I just wanted to create my own schedule, work really hard and enjoy myself, too.”
Art became her full-time career in 2018. “If you look at my artwork, it does have a style, but it also has variation,” she says. “I’m more of a pop artist. A lot of my stuff is colorful.”
But just like a chameleon, she can change colors or styles. “I’m adaptable with artistic needs and flexible scheduling. It comes from the requests of my clients,” she says.
Hennessey’s willingness to explore new challenges has led her to paint custom portraits, wallpaper, live wedding scenes, an interactive mural in downtown Simpsonville, and murals for man caves and playrooms. Upcoming projects include an exterior mural at AC Hotel Greenville and a mural in downtown Clemson. “From painting fraternity coolers to doing a mural that could be there for 20-plus years is super exciting,” she says.
For inspiration when painting murals, “I’ll wear headphones and listen to Kygo,” she says. “I also have a playlist called ‘Sing Out Loud,’ because it’s songs I know every word to.”
For Hennessey, there’s no goal out of reach. “So many people won’t dream big enough,” she says. One question she likes to ask those people: “If you could do anything what would it be?” No matter how wild the aspiration, it’s possible. Just be sure to write it down. At least, that’s how Hennessey turns dreams into reality.
For more information, www.hennesseyinthehome.com.
