Since November 8, 2024, New York Times best-selling authors Brad and Kristi Montague have hosted the art exhibit “We Hope You Fail Better.”
The Montagues, who are married and have two children, opened the exhibit as an extension of their children’s book “Fail-a-bration!” which helps children learn that it’s okay to fail and make mistakes.
“The book is a picture book for all ages — and I mean it. I believe the best picture books work for children and former children,” Brad Montague told Good Good Good in September. “The language might be simple, and the illustrations are childlike, but it really is for humans of any age.”
The artists’ new exhibit, which will be on view at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts until May 16, 2025, is filled with learning stations, original works of art, and “Famous Failures from History.”
“It’s an emotional ride and playfully navigated with animated shorts, paper maché surprises, behind-the-scenes scribbles, and interactive displays,” reads a statement on the exhibit’s website.
“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.”
Perhaps the most novel display in the exhibit is the “Dial-a-Dream” station.
“We set up a number, an actual 800 number,” Brad Montague said in a recent TikTok video. “You call it, leave a message you would have needed to hear on your roughest day. Just something kind, something true.”
The voices ranged from young to old, with one little boy telling listeners that it’s okay to “feel like a raccoon in the dumpster spewing trash,” and another inviting listeners to breathe in, adding, “you have infinite value.”
“Hundreds of hundreds of people have called in,” Montague said. “Encouraging voices from all over the world.”
“The amazing Ms. Rachel even called in,” the author said, playing a brief audio clip from the famous children's singer-songwriter, who has been known to speak out about mental health and human rights issues.
“In the gallery, we set up headphones, and some people stay for two minutes, others for an hour,” Montague said. “So go ahead, call in. I’d love to add your voice to the show. And also go see it, we’re really proud of it.”
In a comment beneath the video, one viewer wrote: “When I see stuff like this, I start to feel that spark of hope for humanity again. At the heart of it all, we just want connection and to know we’re valued to someone. This is so beautiful.”
To add an encouraging message to the helpline, helpers can dial in at 1-888-435-7163.
“Whether you call in or not,” Montague said, “I hope today you can leave a little light for somebody else, somewhere out there.”
Watch Brad’s full video below:
Header image courtesy of Ms. Rachel, Brad Montague / TikTok
