"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 are proud to commission 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 are also mirrored in WCD's values to "Be Bold. Be Proud. Be Experience Obsessed," and, by extension, reflect Wisconsin Center's expansion campaign, #BuildingMorePride. The hashtag connects the project to works by local artist Teresa Sahar installed on The Hop streetcar station shelters this summer. 

Streetcar Shelter Art Campaign

#BuildingMorePride Campaign Invites Local Artist Participation 

Mid-June thru July at Various Streetcar Station Shelters

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. Watch for the artwork to be installed and on display through the end of July. #BuildingMorePride

"Hank Aaron," by Teresa Sahar. Photograph by Kevin Miyazaki.