When Taqueria Maguey opens its doors this weekend in Rio Grande, New Jersey, patrons will be treated to more than just authentic Mexican cuisine. They’ll also be welcomed by a striking new mural from award-winning visual artist and Cape May resident Sydnéi SmithJordan, whose internationally acclaimed work has graced collections around the world — including those of Sylvester Stallone and Denzel Washington.
Known for her bold figurative paintings that preserve overlooked aspects of American life and history, SmithJordan’s latest creation brings folkloric traditions, color, and storytelling to Taqueria Maguey’s interior. Designed to transform the restaurant into more than just a dining space, the mural celebrates heritage and community while enhancing the culinary experience.
“We wanted this restaurant to be more than just a place to eat,” said owner Carlos Ortiz. “We wanted it to feel like a gathering space where culture and creativity come together. Sydnéi’s mural brings that to life in a way that’s absolutely breathtaking.”
For SmithJordan, who has long used her art to highlight history and healing, the project was an opportunity to capture the spirit of communal dining. Drawing inspiration from Mexican culture and folkloric imagery, she crafted a piece that invites diners to pause, reflect, and connect before sitting down to enjoy tacos, tamales, or other favorites.
The mural follows another milestone for the artist: the launch of The Legacy Link Mobile Art Studio, a 32-foot RV transformed into a traveling classroom. Outfitted for workshops with up to 32 participants, the studio allows SmithJordan to bring hands-on art instruction and healing to communities across New Jersey and beyond. From youth groups to seniors, civic organizations to community centers, she uses the mobile studio to foster creativity and emphasize the power of self-expression.
SmithJordan has built a career on honoring underrepresented narratives, painting figures such as Harriet Tubman, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Negro League pioneers, as well as women like Amelia Earhart, Isabel “Lefty” Álvarez, and Frida Kahlo. Her work, she says, is about capturing the moments and people too often erased from history and transforming silence into vivid storytelling.
With the unveiling of her latest mural, SmithJordan continues her mission to create spaces — whether on canvas, in classrooms, or inside restaurants — where art sparks connection, celebration, and remembrance.
For more about her work, visit SmithJordanArts.com