Interning with the Visionary Reginald Adams

As an emerging artist, every stroke of paint I spread across a canvas is not just an expression, but a learning step towards understanding the world and my place within it. Recently, I had the unparalleled opportunity of interning with Reginald Adams, a name synonymous with transformative public art. This experience reshaped my perspective on community art, and I'm thrilled to share a glimpse of that journey with you.

For those unfamiliar with his work, Reginald Adams is an acclaimed public artist and social innovator. Through his company, Reginald Adams LLC, he has been instrumental in beautifying various public spaces while embedding messages of social justice, history, and cultural identity within the artwork. His murals, mosaics, and sculptures aren't just displays; they're narrations of community stories, designed to foster education and dialogue.

One of the flagship projects I contributed to was a powerful public mural commemorating Juneteenth. This mural wasn't simply was an immersive history lesson, capturing the profound significance of African American freedom. Under Reginald's guidance, we were etching deep-rooted stories onto the walls. Stories of struggle, resilience, freedom, and hope that passersby would pause and reflect upon. This artwork served as a beacon of historical remembrance, ensuring that the essence of Juneteenth would resonate visually and emotionally within the community.

Another major project was creating a grand mosaic wall art for the arrivals terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. This wasn't an ordinary assignment due to the sheer volume of international and local eyes that would engage with it daily. The mosaic's design intricately wove together aspects of diversity, connectivity, and the vibrant spirit of Houston's cultural landscape. It transformed a transit space into a stunning, welcoming art gallery, reflecting the city's rich heritage and dynamic future.

Throughout these projects, Reginald Adams' mentorship was invaluable. His visionary approach to public art stresses that an artist is not just a creator but a storyteller, educator, and advocate for social change. The spaces we transformed together attracted millions, each artwork acting as cultural landmarks. These creations enhanced aesthetic appeal, yes, but more vitally, they provoked thought, celebrated history, and promoted unity.

This internship has been an artist's odyssey for me, redefining my artistic philosophy. I learned that art is most impactful when it ceases to be just a spectacle and becomes a catalyst for societal growth. As I continue my journey, these lessons will remain etched in my heart, shaping every piece of art I create. Reginald Adams doesn't just create art; he crafts legacies, and contributing to those has been an honor beyond words.

Sankofa: Mosaic Murals

The Sankofa public art project is a series of three mosaic murals that will be installed at the Houston Intercontinental Airport. The project aims to pay homage to the multicultural diversity of the city of Houston and the people who will travel to and from the airport. The name Sankofa, which comes from the Akan language of Ghana, means "to go back and get it" or "to learn from the past in order to move forward." The project, through the use of mosaic art, will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Houston and will serve as a reminder to all travelers of the importance of embracing and learning from different cultures.