Explore the exhibit
Exhibition Overview
You are cordially invited to a giant fail-a-bration! Bring with you the cake that came out lopsided, the spelling mistakes, or your plant that died. New York Times bestselling duo, Brad and Kristi Montague, have started a movement for kids and adults alike to celebrate creativity and tenacity. This show explores the process of creation from idea to attempt to failure to despair to the discovery of something new. Through playful and thoughtful pieces, this interactive experience will take viewers on a journey that will have their imaginations sparked and humanity nourished.
Sponsors
About the Artists
Brad and Kristi Montague are a creative force for good.
From the viral hit web series, Kid President, to New York Times best-selling picture book, The Circles All Around Us, this small-town couple is making things with big impact. From picture books to community-focused art initiatives, their work involves crafting narratives that foster joy, wonder, and social change. As an award-winning writer and director, Brad brings a rich history of experience and a passion for creating impactful experiences through stories and drawings. With her fine arts and photography expertise, Kristi brings a unique aesthetic vision to their joint endeavors, adding thoughtful texture, vibrant color, and compassionate care. Each project they take on is lovingly hand-crafted and infused with childlike playfulness.
Their shared workspace, Montague Workshop, is a hub of imagination and expression. The two are dedicated to producing impactful art and stories for all ages. Written works include Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome, Becoming Better Grownups, The Circles All Around Us, The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, and Fail-A-Bration (releasing with this exhibition). They live in rural Tennessee with their two children.
Brad and Kristi Montague present “WE HOPE YOU FAIL BETTER.” From two best-selling picture book creators comes a colorful look at the journey of bringing an idea to life. Featuring an array of works that blend sketches, paint, and paper collage this is a wild and warm invitation to embrace the messy process of creation.
You’ll experience the joy of having an idea as well as the struggle and disappointment of what happens when expectations and reality collide. It’s an emotional ride and playfully navigated with animated shorts, paper maché surprises, behind-the-scenes scribbles, and interactive displays. With humor and heart, it all culminates to a celebration — or a ‘Fail-a-bration’, sending everyone out into a community of creative, compassionate collaboration.
THERE WILL BE COLOR! AND SCRIBBLES! AND SOUNDS! AND POSSIBLY EVEN A FAKE CAKE!
Related Programming
Check back soon for new events
Fail-a-Bration Resources
September 16
Special Booked Event
Brad and Kristi will celebrate the release of their brand-new picture book, Fail-A-Bration. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how books come together and learn that even published authors have setbacks, struggles, and challenges. Student’s will be inspired by the stories of courageous creativity from other students and invited to join a large interactive project to help people in need!
EN 
ES 