Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Abts.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was a theater kid growing up – I started in the theater at 5. I took piano lessons and did art starting around that age as well.
In high school and college I continued with theater, and ended up with a BFA in acting. I studied art in college. I started writing my own songs on guitar in high school and in college started performing and recording them. This continued on in my 20’s and early 30’s.
Everything changed around age 30 because my health started to deteriorate. I was finally diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia in 2008. I had immediate brain surgery and then had another in 2010. During this time I didn’t create very much art and only performed twice.
In 2014 I moved back to my hometown of Rochester to file for disability. I was unable to work during this time but I found my way back to visual art. I started performing again and releasing new music. I figured out how to balance my chronic condition with a creative life. In 2020 I was thrown a curveball when, during a 6 hour brain surgery, I went deaf in one ear permanently. Performing live is still a challenge, but I released new music in 2025 and continue sharing new art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Recently I fractured my elbow and wrist and had to have several surgeries. I did find myself asking “why am I here again?” and although I don’t have an answer I find myself grateful that I still have new ideas creatively and love the process of making art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of the unusual opportunities I’ve had in the music world, as a fan of music and also as a musician, whether it be singing a jingle that ended up on BBC Radio or currently serving on the Grammies Midwest Chapter of their Advocacy Committee. My cousin is Matt Abts who plays for Gov’t Mule. One of my favorite opportunities was having a college radio show (albeit short-lived) at UMD in the 90’s.
As a visual artist, I’ve done 3 album covers, shown my art in galleries in Seattle and Duluth, and have my prints in homes all over the world.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyabts.com
- Instagram: @amyabtsart
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/wM6PHiFKvFdNtOuc4X
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HEiuWOIJPnqwJCjkiz426
