Keilley Banks is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and community organizer whose nomadic upbringing instilled in her a deep curiosity about belonging and identity. Through portraiture she creates work that holds space for Black and queer communities, honoring stories of intimacy and resilience. Her work studies relationships—with oneself, with others, and with the world—revealing the interplay between the personal and communal, the intimate and societal. Her practice is rooted in the belief that art is a way to understand ourselves, each other, and the worlds we move through.
Beyond the studio, Keilley founded All My Friends Are Artists (AMFAA), an organization dedicated to nurturing connection, collaboration, and mentorship among emerging creatives. What began as a gathering space has blossomed into exhibitions, mixers, and community-driven projects. Through AMFAA, she continues to reimagine how and where art can live, highlighting underrepresented voices in spaces outside the traditional gallery system.
Keilley’s artistic vision is grounded in both creativity and communication. A graduate of the University of Florida in Public Relations and Event Management, she has built a career spanning corporate communications, social media strategy, and crisis management. Today, she supports artists and brands as a freelance communications strategist, bridging storytelling with strategy to help others share their work with the world.
Through her art, curatorial work, and community building, Keilley creates spaces of care, collaboration, and possibility—reminding us that creativity is most powerful when it brings people together.
ALL MY FRIENDS ARE ARTISTS
All My Friends Are Artists (AMFAA) is a dynamic creative collective and event series founded by multidisciplinary artist and curator Keilley Banks. At its core, AMFAA is built on the belief that being friends with other artists and actively working in community isn’t just inspiring — it’s life-saving.
Since its launch in February 2025, AMFAA has united hundreds of artists through powerful in-person experiences — from sold-out Sip & Paint activations to immersive mixers, exhibitions, and showcases that center identity, perspective and connection. Debuting our solo artist representation, the first showcase drew over 500 attendees, with event highlights reaching more than 500K combined views across social platforms.
We proudly collaborate with local grassroots organizations, media outlets, and brands to co-create accessible, community-rooted programming that reflects the diversity and brilliance of our creative networks. In Summer 2025, AMFAA welcomed five paid interns through the City of New York’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), further deepening our commitment to mentorship and creative youth empowerment.
At its heart, AMFAA creates spaces — both emotional and physical — where artists can thrive. Whether it's finding collaborators, celebrating wins, navigating burnout, or sharing resources, our events are built to remind artists that they’re not alone.
We’re not just building a network. We’re building a movement — and proving that when artists support each other, everyone rises.
Keep up with our events on Instagram @allmyfriendsareartistsnyc