Maxwell Emcays understands that public art serves as a powerful bridge between communal space, collective transformation, and healing. His work is rooted in the belief that art can communicate shared ideas, preserve cultural narratives, and foster dialogue through physical space. Emcays explores how creativity can galvanize communities—how concepts are not only expressed but sustained and exchanged in the environments we inhabit.

He works across a range of materials and mediums, from aluminum, wood, and bronze to LED lighting and textiles. This diversity of form mirrors the inclusive spirit of his practice—inviting viewers from all walks of life to engage with his installations in unique and personal ways.

Maxwell Emcays’s public artworks have been commissioned by private institutions, governmental agencies, universities, and individual collectors. Regardless of scale or setting, his creations strive to draw communities closer together, reflecting shared values and inspiring conversations for the common good.

Artwork Title: Demand Justice
Medium: Metal & Wood
Dimensions: 15 ‘x 30′ X 8’
Location: Chicago
Year Completed: 2021
In association with The Chicago Park District – placement on DuSable Lakeshore Drive.
Artwork Title: When We Come Together
Medium: Aluminum and steel 
Dimensions:  12’ x 8’ x 8’
Year Completed: 2024

A public space for healing and unity. Together we heal, with DCASE. Chicago, IL 
Artwork Title: OUR WOVEN STORY
Medium: Aluminum, found / collected textiles, sailcloth, steel & LEDs
Dimensions: 10’ x 10’ x 14’
Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts  
Year Completed: 2023

Created for DATMA to capture the unique culture of New Bedford. Featuring an interactive shelter theme that involved community engagement to incorporate textile and sailcloth.
Artwork Title: ASPIRE
Medium: Plasma cut aluminum, steel & LEDs
Dimensions: 8’ x 5’ x  25’
Location: Chicago | Englewood
Year Completed: 2023

Created for Sterling Bay with construction and architectural design support from Skender and LJC.
Artwork Title: INNOVATION: THE ERA OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Medium: Metal / Foam
Dimensions:18’ x 18’ x 8’
Location: Grand Rapids Michigan
Year Completed: 2022

Art in Public Places Artprize
Artwork Title: THE TOWER OF US
Medium: Plasma cut aluminum & LEDs
Dimensions: 6’ x 6’ X 30’
Location: Jackson, Michigan
Year Completed: 2023

Created by the City of Jackson

Artwork Title: The Tree Of Remembrance
Medium: Mixed Media & LEDs
Dimensions: 16’ x 14’ x 14’
Location: Chicago, IL
Year Completed: 2022

Daley Center December 2022 honoring victims of homicides.
Artwork Title: Mapped
Medium: Wood & Mixed Media
Dimensions: 10’ x 32’ x 2’
Location: Chicago
Year Completed: 2017

Created for MHUB
Artwork Title: MUNTU
Medium: Aluminum and steel
Dimensions: 7″ x 12″ x 12″
Year Completed: 2018

Chicago, IL
Artwork Title: The Path Forward 
Medium: Aluminum and steel 
Dimensions: 80’ x 30’ x 6’
Location: Champaign – Urbana, IL
Year Completed: 2024

For The University of Illinois.