Born and raised in Detroit, was introduced to Oil Painting while studying Graphic Design and Drawing at Wayne State University. She is the niece of Motown Legend Robert "Bobby" Rogers who was one of the original members of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. She has been represented by several galleries in the Detroit area which includes, Red Bull House of Art (Detroit), Inner State Gallery, Ann Arbor Art Center, Scarab Club, Crooked Tree & Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit. Her work has been featured at Charles H Wright Museum of African American Art and was selected as a sponsored resident for the 5th cycle of Red Bull House of Art in 2013. She has also has her painting featured in an International group exhibition "The Story of the Creative" at See.Me gallery in NYC in 2013.
In 2014, she began to extend her paintings from canvas to mural work on various surfaces. Teamed up with Detroit Bus Company and Converse, she was brought on board to created mural pieces to cover school buses apart of the #sneakerclash international campaign. Shortly after, worked with Grand River Creative Corridor in Detroit for a 42 ft mural of her most recognized subject "Abe in Shades". There are several "Abe in Shades" murals around the Metro-Detroit area including the original which is on display in Dpop (downtown Detroit) and a 15ft x 9ft mural on the VFW building in downtown Royal Oak.
Previsouly held the position as Production Manager - Senior Graphic Designer as well as contributing Illustrator for alternative newspaper Detroit MetroTimes. Receiving an AAN Award - Best Cover illustration (in circulation of 50,000 or more) in 2013 and SPJ nomination for her covers in 2014. She also took on the role as Art Director for Downriver based music magazine Detroit Live.
Kelly was also recognized as a Chicago:Raw Artist in 2012 (watch the interview here). Leading to her work & interviews being featured in German film (www.fwu.de) about the rise of the Art Scene in populated cities. Her work is featured in the Permanent Collections as well as Private Collections.
