This Artist is Spreading Her Wings at Your Favorite Shopping Center
Written By: Ameihia Turingan
Photographed By: Ed Visions
For artist Kelsey Montague, art has always been a part of her life since the beginning. Growing up with artists on her mom’s side of the family and later pursuing art in college, Montague was always exposed to the world of creativity and expression. For her first street art piece, she decided to create a pair of angel wings, an important motif to her family as many members draw birds and wings.
Since creating that first set of wings, her artwork has become a global phenomenon online and offline. Montague’s art is created specifically to encourage viewers to participate. The angel wings are embedded with detailed, multi-layered images and are situated on the wall to allow someone to pose for a photo in between the wings. These photographs can be shared virtually through the #WhatLiftsYou hashtag, which she created to “use social media in a positive way.”
Her latest artwork in Southern California is located in Brea’s Village at La Floresta. The piece is a pair of wings that are comprised of pastel-colored flowers, leaves, swirls and geometric patterns. As she mainly focuses on black and white, this Orange County piece is the second set of bright-colored flower wings she’s ever created, and her only artwork presently displayed in Orange County The vibrant colors and the floral accents are inspired by how Montague sees California, and by the centers name and hashtag. “It’s such a good fit because, to me, California is just sunny, beautiful and the colors are vibrant,” said Montague.
“Kelsey Montague’s work is beautiful and provides a unique experience through each design,” commented John Mehigan, Senior Vice President & Senior Market Officer with Regency Centers. “We’re pleased to watch as her Village at La Floresta mural creates positive engagement between our Village at La Floresta shops and restaurants and the greater Brea community.”
She started and completed this mural on the same day. When starting a concept, she goes into it with a general shape and idea in mind, but the details of the piece ultimately come to her in the moments when her pen connects to the wall.
Especially with the accessible nature of her art, Montague loves seeing how other people express their own creativity by interacting with her work. With this piece in Brea, she looks forward to seeing people enjoy it and make it their own. “I hope people come out, share what lifts you; just really enjoy this piece and take ownership of it because it is for the people here,” said Montague.
Women-trepreneurs: Kelsey’s favorite achievement in her career is the fact that she can work alongside her sister.
Where to Find It: Kelsey’s painting is located at Village at La Floresta Shopping Center in Brea, CA on the outside wall of Whole Foods Market, adjacent to Oasis Plaza.
Native Knowledge: Check Village at La Floresta’s website at www.villageatlafloresta.com for a full store and restaurant directory, special offers and upcoming events
Kelsey Montague | @kelseymontagueart
Village at La Floresta
3301 E Imperial Hwy
Brea, CA 92823
