Artist Alonzo Adams has completed his second commissioned mural for the city of Plainfield, with the artwork now displayed on the side of the Barack Obama Green Charter School next to municipal lot 8 on Watchung Avenue north of East Front Street. The mural, which was first unveiled in June on the steps of City Hall, has now been repainted in its permanent downtown location.
This marks Adams' second mural commissioned by Plainfield, though it's the first to reach its final destination. His earlier work from summer 2024, titled "A Testament to the Best of Plainfield," is still awaiting placement at the Plainfield Center of Excellence, which remains under construction.
The latest mural showcases prominent Plainfield residents from approximately the past six decades, with the word "Plainfield" prominently displayed behind the figures. Mayor Adrian Mapp explained the significance of featuring local heroes, stating that "these people once made significant contributions to the city that we live in today and they will be able to point at different people in the murals and say that is my grandfather, that is my grandmother, that's my cousin." The mayor emphasized the importance of having family members present to see their relatives honored in the artwork.
Mayor Mapp revealed that Adams had complete creative control over the mural, personally selecting the legendary figures featured in the piece. However, the mayor noted with humor that "Alonzo wanted to put all of you in the mural, but he couldn't find a wall that was big enough. Unfortunately, he had to make some hard decisions."
Adam's connection to Plainfield runs deep, having moved to the city in 1965 as a young child after being born in Harlem. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rutgers University, where his Paul Robeson mural was unveiled in October 2024. His artistic career gained significant momentum just a few years after graduation when Bill Cosby became the first celebrity to take notice of his work, launching what would become decades of recognition from notable figures.
The artist has built an impressive roster of collectors over the years, including literary icon Dr. Maya Angelou, actress Jasmine Guy, actor Wesley Snipes, and comedian Tracy Morgan. His work has also attracted numerous NBA stars, with collectors including Chris Paul, Ray Allen, Bam Adebayo, Alonzo Mourning, and Patrick Ewing.
Reflecting on Plainfield's rich history during the June unveiling, Adams expressed his admiration for the city's legacy, saying, "There's not a wall big enough to pay homage to the heroes and sheroes that have come out of Plainfield. But there's been a lot. I mean, we are the birthplace of legends." The project became a family affair, with Adams' son Kyle, who is an accomplished artist himself, assisting with the mural's creation.
