Welcome, and thank you for visiting my site!

My name is Makayla Marchese-Reilly (she/her), and I’m an artist, horticulturist, and environmental advocate based in Queens, NY. Originally from Gowanus, Brooklyn, I explore the intersections of environmentalism, our human connection with nature, and self-discovery through my work, primarily using film photography as my creative medium.

Beyond my artistic pursuits, I am deeply involved in horticulture, currently working towards my certification through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. My passion for plants extends to hands-on care and education, specializing in native species and sustainable plant practices. I bring this dedication to my role as cofounder of PlantXChange, a collective I’ve proudly been part of since 2020. At PlantXChange, I contribute through plant propagation, administrative coordination, and facilitating community events, where I share knowledge about plant care and the importance of native plants.

When I’m not immersed in creative or green projects, I share my home with my partner Mateo, our beloved cat Casper, and our loyal dog Pablo. Together, we cultivate a life rooted in creativity, community, and a love for the natural world.