Kelsey Montague, an internationally-recognized mural artist and illustrator, has now added ETSU as a location to her mural catalogue.
She is most popularly known for her #WhatLiftsYou angel wing murals, but has completed over 300 murals in her time as an artist.
Montague has murals at several locations in Tennessee, including Nashville, Knoxville, Shelbyville, Chattanooga, Franklin and Maryville. She even completed a temporary mural for Taylor Swift in 2019 for the release of her album, “Lover.”
“Coming back to Tennessee is really special for me because I do so much work here, it has become like a second home for me,” shared Montague. “A lot of my work as an artist has grown in this state, and it means a lot to come to different cities, different communities in Tennessee. I am happy to be here.”
Montague studied art in Florence, Italy, and graduated from Richmond University in London with a degree in art, design and media. After graduating, she moved to New York and honed her skills.
“I moved to New York City to be near my sister, and I would draw just in and out of coffee shops, and I kind of just started building a name in that community. In the neighborhood I was that girl who likes to draw,” Montague explained.
She specializes in interactive murals that create photo opportunities for visitors; she has traveled from place to place with her sister for the past nine years painting these works of art.
“I love that whole idea of stepping in and having something that’s enveloping you in a positive way,” Montague added. “All of my work is positive in some way. I’ve done a lot under the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou, so I really want my work to always be uplifting.”
Her ETSU mural will incorporate university and regional iconography like the Ballad Health Athletic Center, the Appalachian Mountains, the three stars of the Tennessee flag, the Carillion and university colors in the shape of a hand heart.
“I like the idea that people want to know more about it, and it’s something that’s specific to this community here, and that’s what my work is all about,” said Montague.
Montague worked closely with the university to bring their vision to life, and she shared how she always loves to learn more about the places she visits. She is motivated by her drive to impact others by her work.
“I can draw on anything all day every day, but I love thinking about other people,” Montague said. “That’s my challenge and something that really lifts me up is being able to focus on others and who is going to be seeing the work.”
She also mentioned as an artist depending on the outdoor elements, there’s certain unique challenges she has to overcome. There could be issues with the paint or mechanical issues, but she said she’s always learning no matter how many murals she’s completed.
“I was joking with my mom the other day, because a lot of artists, you’re in a studio and you’re sheltered, and I’ve never really had that. I don’t have a permanent spot. For me, especially as a street artist, being out in the elements, it changes every day,” said Montague.
The mural is located on the wall closest to Warf Pickel Hall, near the parking garage. It is set to be completed by the end of the week.
To learn more about her work, visit kelseymontagueart.com, or follow her on Instagram at @kelseymontagueart.
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