Street Art Takes Flight: Celebrate Kelsey Montague’s “What Lifts You Pompano”

The City of Pompano Beach is soaring to new creative heights this summer with the debut of a stunning interactive mural by renowned street artist Kelsey Montague. Titled What Lifts You Pompano, this vibrant, large-scale work of public art is now a permanent fixture in the City’s cultural landscape and will be formally celebrated during the next Backyard Jam concert event on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Located at 135 NE 1st Ave, the mural serves as both a visual spectacle and a heartfelt tribute to the community’s identity, marine roots, and artistic energy. With intricate pen-and-ink detailing, Montague’s wings invite viewers to step in, pose, reflect, and ultimately become part of the artwork itself. It’s an experience that is meant to lift—emotionally, visually, and communally.

A Mural That Moves You—Literally and Emotionally

Known globally for her interactive wing murals, Kelsey Montague designs street art that transforms viewers into participants. Her works are not merely to be looked at—they are to be lived. What Lifts You Pompano is no exception. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and cultural significance of Pompano Beach, the mural features symbolic imagery including honey bees, vibrant ocean life, and a homage to the region’s famous shipwreck diving scene.

Montague’s mission is simple yet powerful: to create art that merges seamlessly with human experience. Her now-iconic hashtag #WhatLiftsYou encourages everyone to share what inspires them in life, promoting a global online conversation fueled by positivity, creativity, and community.

As she puts it, “Art should not be separated from the human experience. Instead, the human experience should have a hand in creating the art itself.”

Celebrating Public Art in Pompano Beach

The mural’s unveiling is more than an artistic milestone—it’s a celebration of the city’s dedication to public art. Since the City Commission’s adoption of a public art ordinance in 2012, Pompano Beach has made deliberate efforts to incorporate visual beauty and cultural value into its public spaces. The addition of What Lifts You Pompano underlines the city's ongoing investment in art that enhances quality of life, supports local identity, and boosts civic pride.

The mural dedication will take place during the June 20^th Backyard Jam, a monthly live music series that captures the easygoing, artistic spirit of South Florida. Expect live tunes, Southern comfort food, craft cocktails, and good vibes—making this evening the perfect fusion of art and entertainment.

Meet the Artist: Kelsey Montague

Born in Colorado and educated in Florence and London, Kelsey Montague is internationally celebrated for her unique black-and-white illustrations and interactive installations. With a large Instagram follower base (@KelseyMontagueArt), Montague has used social media to expand her artistic reach and spark conversations around hope, joy, and creativity. Her work has been featured by Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, BuzzFeed, Refinery29, Mashable, Taylor Swift, and even The Smithsonian.

Montague’s artistic process is deeply intuitive. “People ask where my designs come from,” she says. “The truth is... I honestly don’t know. I just know that when I start drawing, I completely lose myself in the flow of images.”

And now, Pompano Beach has its own place in that flow.

Whether you're a longtime art lover, a selfie connoisseur, or just looking for something fresh to do on a Friday night, What Lifts You Pompano offers a chance to engage with art in a deeply personal and uplifting way. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #WhatLiftsYou and share what inspires you with the world.