When Taqueria Maguey Restaurant officially opened its doors in August, at 3167 South 9 South in Rio Grande, NJ, patrons were 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.

SmithJordan is an award-winning visual artist and a Cape May, NY resident.

Her latest work transforms the restaurant’s interior into a dynamic celebration of heritage and community by infusing the space with color, culture, and mood.

SmithJordan’s signature style — bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in storytelling — perfectly complements the vibrant energy and warmth of Taqueria Maguey’s culinary vision.

“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 said she was inspired by 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,” SmithJordan said.

The new mural followed SmithJordan’s launch of 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).

SmithJordan said 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.

She said each workshop is tailored to the group’s needs, engaging her and guided by her belief in the healing power of creative expression.

SmithJordan said she creates work that captures important moments and figures in Black history, such as Harriet Tubman, the Negro League, and the Tuskegee Airmen, in an effort to counter the systematic erasure of Black history.

She said she has also 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.