Internationally-acclaimed street artist Kelsey Montague will soon install a one-of-a-kind mural on the north wall of the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena thanks to a commission by The Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and the Wisconsin Center District (WCD).

Montague is known for her international installations, which provide people with interactive photo ops, as part of her #WhatLiftsYou project. This will be her first mural in Wisconsin.

Montague’s Milwaukee installation, which will be created in July, will feature a peacock, symbolizing self-expression, integrity and pride. These qualities are also incorporated into the WCD’s values to “Be Bold. Be Proud. Be Experience Obsessed.”

The mural will be created on the north façade of the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, near the intersection of State Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue. It will span approximately 15 feet by 15 feet and will connect Milwaukee to a collection of more than 300 works around the globe by Montague. The hashtag #BuildingMorePride will be incorporated into the installation.

“I’m delighted to be chosen for this project and bring my work to Milwaukee,” says Montague. “When contemplating a subject matter, I always turn to the community for inspiration – what imagery is uplifting and what sort of visual would make them proud to share with out-of-town guests. Thinking about Milwaukee and how this beautiful city has really come into its own over the last decade, led us down a very exciting path. I hope the community shares in my excitement.”