about us
Founded in 2025 Basic Art Girl is a growing non-profit community for women and girls in the arts navigating uncertainty, transition, and the in-between.
It was created from a simple realization: while art schools and creative industries focus heavily on output and success, they often leave artists unsupported in the moments where guidance matters most. When things feel unclear, overwhelming, or off-path. Basic Art Girl exists to meet artists where they actually are, not where they’re expected to be.
At its core, Basic Art Girl is about storytelling, perspective, and access. It’s a space for honest dialogue around creativity, mental health, identity, and the realities of building a creative life without burning out or losing yourself in the process.
about the founder
Basic Art Girl was founded by McKenna Kelley, a New York City based writer and creative. With an extensive background in the performing arts and years of published writing on art, culture, and identity, McKenna created Basic Art Girl as a response to the lack of transparent, community-centered support she experienced in art school and creative spaces.
Her work centers on storytelling as a tool for understanding, connection, and self-reflection.
looking ahead
Basic Art Girl is in its early stages. Over time, the community aims to expand its offerings to include more structured resources, educational programming, and connecting artists to accessible support at different stages of their journey.
For now, it begins with conversation, and the belief that no one should have to navigate creative uncertainty alone.
This work is intentionally evolving. Rather than presenting a finished solution, Basic Art Girl is being built in real time through listening, conversation, community, and lived experience.