His love of art spurred him to study at San Juan Community College and at the University of New Mexico. Emerson maintains a dual career as a fine artist and a commercial painter. Currently living in the Four Corners area, he and his wife, Michelle, own and operate Emerson Gallery in Farmington, New Mexico. featuring his own artwork as well as that of his talented family and other Navajo artists. In 2001. they started "Nava Java" a coffee shop that offers the best coffee and espresso in town. 

In addition, Anthony Chee Emerson has illustrated several books relating to Navajo culture and posters for the New Mexico State Libraries and the all-native Totah Arts Festival in Farmington. Emerson exhibits at the Indian Market in Santa Fe and other Indian art shows.