The St. Johns Cultural Council has unveiled a new public mural in downtown Hastings by internationally acclaimed artist Kelsey Montague, offering residents and visitors a vibrant new way to engage with the region’s farming heritage. The interactive piece officially opens to the public on Friday, May 30, at 415 N. Main Street, and marks Montague’s first agricultural-themed work in Northeast Florida.
The project is a collaboration between the St. Johns Cultural Council and Hastings Main Street, with funding provided by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Best known for her #WhatLiftsYou series and Taylor Swift’s iconic “wings” mural in Nashville, Montague brings her signature style to this historic farming town through a vibrant design featuring native crops, local wildlife, and an interactive vegetable cart. The cart is pulled by a real bicycle—donated by Drifters, a bike rental company based in St. Augustine Beach—inviting passersby to become part of the artwork.
The bike element also serves as a nod to the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail, part of the Rails to Trails network, which passes through Hastings. Cyclists following the trail will ride past the mural, creating a built-in audience for the installation. The bicycle motif also connects to the Riding High exhibit at the Lightner Museum, which showcases vintage bicycles once popular in the 1800s. During the era when the Lightner building operated as Henry Flagler’s Hotel Alcazar, guests could take bicycle riding lessons in the area now used as the museum’s parking lot.
“This piece is really special,” Montague said. “I wanted to reflect the soul of Hastings—not just visually, but emotionally. The agricultural story here is one of resilience, family and pride. I hope everyone stops by, takes a photo and connects with the energy of this town.”
Hastings was founded by and named after Thomas Horace Hastings, a cousin of Henry Flagler, to supply winter produce—especially lettuce, cabbage, and potatoes—to the guests of Flagler’s nearby Hotel Ponce de Leon. The town quickly became a hub for potato farming in the early 20th century, earning it the nickname “Potato Capital of Florida.”
“Hastings has a long, proud agricultural legacy that deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s both creative and accessible,” said Jeff Potts, executive director of the St. Johns Cultural Council. “This mural brings visibility to that story while helping draw new visitors to town.”
Jena Dennis, chair of Hastings Main Street, played a key role in facilitating the project and working with local partners. “This was truly a community effort,” said Dennis. “From planning and logistics to donations and local business support, it’s been incredible to see how many people care about Hastings and wanted to make this happen.”
Local businesses are also joining in. Hastings Coffee Co. is offering mural-inspired drink specials and themed sugar cookies created by ChocoLattes.
The mural is now open to the public at 415 N. Main Street, and all are welcome to visit. The installation is free to view and accessible year-round. More information can be found at stjohnsculture.com.
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About the St. Johns Cultural Council
The St. Johns Cultural Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local artists and arts organizations, ensuring that residents of and visitors to St. Johns County have access to high-quality arts, culture, and heritage experiences. Visit the websites at www.historiccoastculture.com and www.stjohnsculture.com.
About Kelsey Montague
Kelsey Montague is a Nashville-based street artist known for her interactive murals that explore the intersection of public art and personal storytelling. Her #WhatLiftsYou campaign encourages people around the world to reflect on what inspires them—and share that story through art.
Media Contact
Beth Strautz | beth@vaguspr.com | 773-895-5387
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