What Lifts You Mural
Lifting Community Spirit
Kelsey Montague Installs “What Lifts You” Mural at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, and the Wisconsin Center District commissioned internationally-acclaimed street artist Kelsey Montague for a one-of-a-kind mural on the north wall of the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, near the corner of State Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue. With more than 300 installations around the globe, this is Montague’s first mural in Wisconsin. The #WhatLiftsYou project has resonated with millions by creating interactive photo-ops, which have been made popular by social media influencers, including Taylor Swift, in recent years.
Building More Pride
Proud as a Peacock
Montague’s Milwaukee installation features a peacock, which symbolizes self-expression, integrity, and pride. These qualities were also mirrored in Wisconsin Center District’s values to “Be Bold. Be Proud. Be Experience Obsessed,” and, by extension, reflected the convention center’s expansion campaign, #BuildingMorePride. The hashtag connected the project to works by local artist Teresa Sahar installed on The Hop streetcar station shelters during the summer of 2021.
Streetcar Shelter Art Campaign
#BuildingMorePride Campaign Invited Local Artist Participation
Streetcar Station Shelters Depicted Local Legends June – July 2021
Milwaukee is built on pride, and the Wisconsin Center is Building More for the city we love. Later this month, six of The Hop’s streetcar station shelters will feature portraits of Milwaukee legends who have undoubtedly built more pride for our city and state. The Downtown Placemaking Task Force and the Wisconsin Center District commissioned local artist Teresa Sahar in early June for the series, which features Hank Aaron, Vel R. Phillips, and Gene Wilder. #BuildingMorePride
“Hank Aaron,” by Teresa Sahar. Photograph by Kevin Miyazaki.
Thank You To Our Community Partners
