As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2024 French Quarter Festival, all eyes are on the festival’s official poster, a stunning creation by local artist Monica Rose Kelly. With over 13 years of artistic contributions to the New Orleans music community, including several Offbeat Magazine covers, Kelly’s work has become synonymous with the vibrant spirit of the city’s cultural scene. Her latest work, the official poster for the French Quarter Festival, pays homage to the musical mothers of New Orleans, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the city’s rich heritage.
This year, festival attendees will have the opportunity to own a piece of this artistic legacy, as the FQF will sell two variants of Kelly’s poster at their merch booths. The first is a digital lithograph of her original watercolor illustration, meticulously numbered for authenticity. The second is a special screen print edition, personally signed and numbered by the artist, adding an exclusive touch to this collectible artwork.
In recognition of her immense talent and dedication to the arts, Kelly was recently selected as the inaugural Visual Artist-in-Residence for the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Throughout her residency, Kelly mesmerized audiences with improvisational live paintings during concerts at three National Park locations, including The NOLA Jazz Museum and the French Quarter Visitor Center. During the festival, Kelly will host a live painting pop-up gallery in the courtyard at 419 Decatur, offering festival-goers a glimpse into her creative process and showcasing her captivating live painting series alongside her musical artworks created over the years.
For those eager to meet the artist behind the iconic festival poster, Kelly will also conduct an official signing event on Saturday, April 13, from 2-3pm at the Riverfront merch booth, located on Palm Lawn near the Abita Beer Stage.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Kelly is also a dedicated educator and advocate for public art. Through her studio apprenticeship program and her leadership role with People for Public Art , Kelly empowers young artists and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, harnessing the power of art to protest, uplift, and heal.
To learn more about Monica Rose Kelly’s vibrant creations and projects check out her Instagram @monicakellystudio or on her website monicakellystudio.com.
Monica Rose Kelly
