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. |