The town of Hastings in St. Johns County now boasts an eye-catching new mural, thanks to the artistry of Kelsey Montague, an internationally known muralist whose work has adorned urban landscapes far and wide. The St. Johns Cultural Council, in partnership with Hastings Main Street and funding from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council (TDC), recently unveiled the piece at 415 N. Main Street, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in its interactive agriculture-themed display.
In a celebration of the town's farming heritage, Montague's mural integrates elements of Hastings' rural vistas and native crops, including an actual bicycle that beckons passersby into the scene; contributing to this immersive experience are the Hastings Main Street and the St. Johns Cultural Council, the latter explained in a detailed video documenting the mural's unveiling. However, while the work celebrates agricultural resilience and the legacies of family-owned farms, it is not just the mural that carries significance—the various contributors to the project speak to a broader, cohesive effort within the community, from the business owner who provided wall space to the companies that pitched in for materials and equipment.
Drawing inspiration from St. Johns County's rich past, Montague's work is also a reference to the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail, a cycling route that now features this vibrant landmark as a visual respite for those traversing Northeast Florida's landscapes, as the bike included in the mural honors the region's history with cycling—dating back to when the Lightner Museum space was used for bicycle lessons during the heyday of Hotel Alcazar. "This piece is really special," Montague said in a statement obtained by St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs, "I wanted to reflect the soul of Hastings—not just visually, but emotionally."
Historically, Hastings was called the "Potato Capital of Florida" for its extensive potato farming, a mantle originating from its establishment as a produce supplier for luxury hotels in the early 1900s. Jeff Potts, executive director of the St. Johns Cultural Council, emphasized the impact of the mural, stating, "This mural not only brings that story to life—it also helps attract new visitors to our town." Appreciation for the successful completion of this community project was widespread, with contributions ranging from a building owner's support to local business sponsorships like Great Expectations Realty for paint, and materials and Doer Cabinets for providing the scissors lift, with Keith Pariani of the Lightner Museum also lending his support.
Integral to the project's fruition was the collaboration within the Hastings community, signaling an enduring commitment to cultural and historical representation. According to Jena Dennis, chair of Hastings Main Street, as told to the St. Johns Cultural Council, "This was truly a community effort."
