Amanda Gorman by Kaliq Crosby in Washington

My name is Kaliq, I am a professional muralist with over 20 years of experience installing large-scale public artworks that celebrate cultural history, build community, and create lasting visual landmarks. My practice focuses on preserving the first achievements of African American pioneers and highlighting hidden histories through vibrant, emotionally resonant portraiture. My murals serve as visual anchors in underserved neighborhoods, often transforming public spaces into platforms for education, pride, and storytelling. I have been awarded numerous public art grants by the D.C. government, Business Improvement Districts, and private organizations. My portfolio includes work in the DC United stadium, retail developments, historic campuses, and civic spaces. Notably, I have partnered with the National Gallery of Art, NFL, MLS, the Emerson Collective, and The Vera Institute of Justice in collaborations that underscore my ability to work with high-profile partners on projects of significant cultural value. In 2021, my mural honoring inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, commissioned by the New Washington Land Company, garnered national media attention and became a powerful symbol of hope and equality. In 2020, I co-created the largest mural in Washington, D.C., at Audi Field, in partnership with Pepco, D.C. United, and the Capitol Riverfront BID. We managed a $100,000 budget and led a months-long design process with stakeholders and local residents, culminating in public paint days that brought the community together. These projects strengthened my approach to collaborative design, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale mural execution in high-visibility locations. My murals are more than images—they are community-driven, research-based works that reflect the voices, history, and aspirations of their community. I’ve gained the ability to manage large-scale public works, navigate bureaucratic and corporate partnerships, and maintain artistic integrity while honoring the community's voice. From scaffolding logistics to weatherproof coatings, from budget management to storytelling—I understand how to deliver impactful work on time, within budget, and in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. My designs and processes are suitable for multiple locations. Virtual Engagement: Your mural can incorporate fun ways to interact with the public by using QR codes and augmented reality to provide viewers with deeper historical insight using their smartphones. PUBLIC MURAL PROCESS: The mural process is rooted in research, community engagement and clarity of vision. Phase 1 – Research & Engagement Conduct in-depth research on the Buffalo Bills' legacy, Orchard Park’s community stories, and the cultural identity of Western NY. Meet with stakeholders—community members, fans, players, team staff, and historians—to capture meaningful narratives. Facilitate focus groups or listening sessions to gather input on themes, values, and visuals important to the community. Phase 2 – Design & Feedback Develop initial sketches and a digital rendering that reflect the core themes. Present the design to stakeholders for feedback, incorporating insights and suggestions for a final approved layout. Superimpose design on the intended wall to provide a clear visual context of the mural in its final form. Phase 3 – Community Engagement Host 2 community paint days to involve local residents in the creation of the mural. Photo and video tutorials on how to document the process while building an archive of the murals social impact and promote the program. Phase 4 – Digital Integration & Preservation Integrate QR codes and AR components to provide an interactive experience. Apply protective coating and prepare a maintenance plan to ensure the mural’s longevity. KaliQ