Kelsey Montague, USA

Kelsey is one of very few artists who is exploring how illustration, public art, interactive art and social media intersect. She believes that art should not be separated from the human experience. Instead the human experience should have a hand in creating the art itself. Kelsey Montague’s pen and ink drawings reflect a unique worldview. Originally from Colorado, Montague has lived in Florence, London, New York City and Los Angeles. She studied Art, Design and Media, with combined studies, at Richmond, the American International University in London, where she received an American Bachelor of Arts degree (summa cum laude), as well as a British Bachelor of Arts degree with First Class Honors.

Each work is intuitively created, revealing multiple, intricate layers. These “drawings within drawings” are imbued with memories, dreams, emotions and, above all, the artist’s uniquely creative style. Kelsey is most known for her large scale, interactive street murals around the world. Each piece provides an opportunity for people to step into the work and become a “living work of art”. Participants are encouraged to post pictures of the work, and their interaction with it, on social media under the hashtag #whatliftsyou. Thousands of people have participated in an online discussion about what inspires them in their lives. This art has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, Instagram, MTV, Buzzfeed, Refinery 29, Mashable. Photo published on Instagram with Taylor Swift reached 900,000 likes and the one with Vanessa Hudgens got 324,000 likes. With over 30,000 followers Kelsey uses her Instagram (@KelseyMontagueArt) to continue to explore how art can, and should, lift us up on a daily basis. In February 2016 she came out with her first coloring book for adults “What Lifts You” – a continuation of her global campaign.