Creative Placemaking At Town of Upper Marlboro

Creative PlacemakingArt of Place

Apr 24

Written By Jendayi Asha

Jetolara(2022), King Royal de Jubilé LXIV(2022), and Luna Solei(2022)

Medium: Paint

ARTISTS STATEMENTS

Keiona Clark, Jetolara, 2022

Clark honors Cheryl White, the first Black female jockey in U.S. history, who rode Jetolara to victory in 1971. Through vibrant colors and bold imagery, Clark celebrates White’s legacy as a trailblazer in American sports and culture. Her aesthetic—strong women and bright colors—reflects both personal empowerment and a broader celebration of life. Clark believes public art should educate and inspire, making Jetolara both a tribute and a call to remember overlooked history.

Cary Michael, King Royal de Jubilé LXIV, 2022

Inspired by Mobile, Alabama’s Mardi Gras traditions, Michael’s piece blends parade pageantry with equestrian elegance. Horses, floats, music, and elaborate costumes are central to the Mardi Gras experience and are echoed in King Royal de Jubilé LXIV. The name pays homage to the 64th anniversary of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), incorporating French to reflect celebration and tradition. The color palette—green (faith), gold (power), and purple (justice)—draws from classic Mardi Gras symbolism.

Luther Wright, Luna Solei, 2022

Wright’s Luna Solei reimagines the classic carousel horse through bold line art and celestial motifs. The title, meaning “Moon” and “Sun,” is echoed in the piece’s vivid, sun-and-sky-inspired colors and decorative elements. Blending nostalgia with fantasy, the artwork invites viewers into a surreal, dreamlike world. Wright sees his work as a portal to alternate realities, offering viewers a glimpse into the extraordinary through art.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

KEIONA CLARK

Keiona Clark is a Washington, DC-based artist, curator, entrepreneur, and advocate, best known as the Founder and CEO of the DMV League of Artists. Passionate about building creative community, she fosters connection through public art, exhibitions, workshops, and events that enhance access to original work and cultural engagement. Her mission centers on empowering artists and strengthening networks between creators and collectors.

A stage 3B breast cancer survivor, Keiona turned her healing journey into a catalyst for deeper creative purpose. She has painted over 30 murals across the city, brokered numerous others, and gained recognition from outlets like National Geographic and Nike’s Jordan Brand. Her distinctive style—marked by non-traditional techniques—reflects a lifelong passion for art, innovation, and community uplift.

CARY MICHAEL

Cary Michael (Robinson), originally from Mobile, Alabama, is a Washington, DC-based artist with a BS in Fine Arts from FAMU and an MA in Design Management from SCAD. He currently works as a Design Examiner at the USPTO, a Studio Artist at Creative Saints Loft, and actively volunteers with Zion Church and Best Kids, Inc., all while developing his artist collective, Artbae, and running his freelance business, SCM Design Solutions.

His artwork has been showcased in prominent venues like the BET Awards, Harlem Fine Arts Show, and the African American Civil War Museum, with pieces included in permanent collections across multiple states. Cary is also deeply committed to using art as a tool for healing, community building, and social change, bringing creativity into every aspect of his personal and professional life.

LUTHER WRIGHT

Luther Wright is a multidisciplinary artist and muralist known for transforming public spaces across the DMV and beyond with vibrant, engaging artworks. With over seven years as a full-time artist, he has established studios in Brentwood and Hyattsville, Maryland, and remains dedicated to evolving his craft through diverse styles and mediums.

Deeply committed to community engagement, Luther leads and participates in art initiatives that foster connection, creativity, and cultural enrichment. His practice reflects a passion for exploration, rejecting artistic limitations in favor of continual growth and meaningful impact through public art.