Monica Rose Kelly is a New Orleans-based artist whose practice spans mural-making, illustration, projection art, and collaborative public art projects. Her work engages historical narratives, spiritual archetypes, and the interplay of visual art with music. She has served the music community of New Orleans for 15 years and has most recently been commissioned by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Monica’s innovative new modality of “live light painting” combines projection mapping with digital painting and video art, improvising visual compositions in real time with live music.

Monica’s personal work, including the series Flora Arcana, investigates the relationship between the Divine Feminine and the natural world, depicting women with plants and flowers traditionally used for emotional and spiritual healing. Flora Arcana premiered as a satellite exhibition of Prospect 4 New Orleans and continues to evolve in dialogue with the women reflected in the series.

A BFA graduate in Illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design, Monica also studied painting and printmaking and worked professionally in graphic design. She is deeply invested in mentoring emerging artists and fostering collaborative creative practices that amplify underrepresented voices and explore the social, cultural, and transformative power of art. Her murals and public artworks can be seen throughout New Orleans, contributing to the city’s cultural landscape and public dialogue.