When Taqueria Maguey restaurant officially opens its doors this weekend at 3167 South 9 South in Rio Grande, New Jersey, patrons will be welcomed not just by the irresistible aromas of authentic Mexican cuisine, but also by an extraordinary visual experience: a custom mural painted by renowned local artist Sydnéi SmithJordan.
Infusing the space with color, culture and mood, SmithJordan’s latest work transforms the restaurant’s interior into a dynamic celebration of heritage and community. Her signature style — bold, expressive and deeply rooted in storytelling — perfectly complements the vibrant energy and warmth of Taqueria Maguey’s culinary vision.
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“We wanted this restaurant to be more than just a place to eat,” said Carlos Ortiz, owner of Taqueria Maguey. “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.”
SmithJordan, whose murals and artwork have earned acclaim across New Jersey and beyond, brings a soulful authenticity to every brushstroke. For this project, she drew inspiration from Mexican traditions, folkloric imagery and the joy of communal dining. The result is a mural that invites diners to pause, reflect and connect — before diving into a plate of tacos or tamales.
The new mural comes hot on the heels of SmithJordan launching The Legacy Link Mobile Art Studio, a fully equipped, art classroom on wheels for pop-up art instruction aboard a customized 32-foot recreational vehicle (RV). The mobile studio is equipped to accommodate up to 32 participants at a time and is open to youth, seniors, civic organizations, women’s and men’s groups and more. Each workshop is tailored to the needs of the group engaging her and guided by SmithJordan’s belief in the healing power of creative expression.
SmithJordan creates work that captures important moments and figures in Black history like Harriet Tubman, the Negro League and Tuskegee Airmen in an effort to counter the systematic erasure of Black history. She also has created a series on veterans to honor the service of those whose service has made America safer and one about women in history, like Isabel “Lefty” Alvarez, Amelia Earhart and Frida Kahlo.
To find out more about SmithJordan’s work or the Legacy Link, visit SmithJordanarts.com, email SmithJordanarts@gmail.com or call 609-972-0674. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Threads at @smithjordanarts and on TikTok at @sydnei.smithjorda.
