Meagan McNeal
Vocalist, Cultivator, Mother
3Arts / Walder Foundation Awardee
2020 3Arts Awards
Music
Meagan McNeal is a Chicago-based vocalist, recording artist, performer, and creative ecosystem builder whose work is rooted in healing, authenticity, and human connection. With music at the center of her practice, she moves across soul, jazz, R&B, gospel, theater, voice acting, curation, and artist advocacy, creating work that helps people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
A 2020 3Arts Award recipient, Meagan has expanded her artistry across recording, live performance, theatrical work, public campaigns, and cultural programming. Her full-length album Greenhouse centers on healing through transparency, born from grief, reflection, and the belief that community can bring light to places we often hide. Pressed on transparent green vinyl, the project reflects Meagan’s commitment to music that is emotionally honest and beautifully considered.
Since receiving the 3Arts Award, Meagan’s voice has taken her into new creative arenas. In 2022, she provided vocals and the English voiceover for Illinois Cares for Kids’ statewide “I Got Love” campaign, connecting families to early childhood education and childcare resources. In 2026, she debuted at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in the title role of safronia, an Afro-surrealist opera by fellow 3Arts awardee avery r. young. The role deepened her connection to character, language, movement, and embodied storytelling, expanding her understanding of her voice’s power and range.
Meagan is the founder of Pink Elephant Creatives, a platform that books artists, curates live music experiences, and helps musicians access more visible and sustainable opportunities. Through this work, she has built programming, performance partnerships and community initiatives throughout the city. In partnership with the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce, she has supported creative entrepreneurs in formalizing their businesses and connecting with accounting resources.
Across every stage, studio, and room she enters, Meagan’s work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: music can open hearts, build access, and make more room for people to be fully expressed.
photo by Seed Lynn
Featured Artworks
Meagan McNeal has crowd-funded a project with 3AP
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- $11,663 raised of $6,000 goal
- 0 Days 0:00:00 LEFT
GREENHOUSE is an album recording and placemaking collaboration that aims to inspire growth and healing. With their transparent frames letting light and nutrients in, greenhouses create an atmosphere for plants to bloom. I believe that people, in the same manner, …
Read more about GREENHOUSE