Reginald Adams, founder of the Houston-based public art and design firm Reginald C. Adams LLC, has always been driven by a passion for creativity. "I’m the little boy who loved to draw and never grew up," Adams shares, reflecting on his lifelong dedication to art. Encouraged by a supportive family, Adams nurtured his talent from a young age and has since built a remarkable career around his passion.
As a teenager, Adams began expanding his artistic repertoire, and his circle of supporters grew to include paying customers. Today, he is known for creating artwork with significant social impact, such as the Absolute Equality Juneteenth Mural Project. "From 2014 to 2020, much of my work focused on cultural icons and historical figures, especially within the African American community," Adams explains. His extensive portfolio eventually caught the attention of the Juneteenth Legacy Project, leading to his commission to create a mural honoring the holiday.
Before launching his own business, Adams served as the executive director of the Museum of Cultural Arts, Houston (MOCAH), for over a decade. There, he honed his skills in community engagement and facilitated public art projects involving youth. However, his work at the nonprofit was part of the public domain. A pivotal conversation with a wise businessman led Adams to reconsider his future. The businessman questioned, "Reginald, what legacy will you leave for your children?" This question inspired Adams to start his own company, giving him full ownership of his projects and designs.
Transitioning from the nonprofit world to running his own business presented its challenges. "Coming from a nonprofit background, I had to learn to establish the value of my work," Adams says. "I realized my work was valuable because it was tangible." This shift required confidence, but with the support of his community, Adams embraced his worth and advocated for the value of his art. Today, his firm employs six professional artists as independent contractors and hires additional artists as needed.
Adams emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. "Early in my career, I joined business groups like The American Leadership Forum and The Center for Houston’s Future to be among decision-makers," he says. "Your network really becomes your net worth." This strategic networking helped Adams build a robust support system that has been crucial to his success.
In January 2020, Adams completed a series of mosaic monuments in Emancipation Park, Houston’s oldest municipal park, founded by formerly enslaved people. This project led to a collaboration with the Juneteenth Legacy Project to create a mural in Galveston, commemorating Juneteenth. The mural, located on a 5,000-square-foot wall adjacent to the historic Osterman Building site, was a monumental undertaking. "It was the largest mural I’d ever tackled," Adams recalls. With his team and 320 gallons of paint, the mural was completed in 27 days and 1,300 man-hours, dedicated just three days after Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday by President Biden.
The mural brought significant media attention, making it a symbol of Juneteenth and boosting cultural tourism in Galveston. Adams realized the potential of his work to transcend local boundaries. With support from Capital One, the Absolute Equality Project expanded to include 13 murals across various U.S. cities, each celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth.
Adams admits that before the Galveston mural, he hadn’t deeply engaged with Juneteenth celebrations. However, working on the Absolute Equality Project has broadened his understanding of the holiday’s significance across different regions. "It means something different in every part of the country," he notes, reflecting on his learning journey.
This year, Adams plans to attend the dedication of a new Absolute Equality mural in Los Angeles, created by Nigerian artist Samson Bimbo Adenugba. The mural, located in a Capital One Café, offers a unique setting among the collection, and Adams looks forward to seeing it in person.
For aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, Adams offers this advice: "Focus on what’s important to you. My journey has unfolded because I’m passionate about my work. When we focus on what matters to us, we become more authentic in our creativity. The message becomes more genuine."
