Like many New Englanders, Portland-based artist Ryan Adams grew up going to sporting events and shows at Boston’s TD Garden. 

But for Adams, the sentimentality goes beyond memories of watching Celtics games. Early in his relationship with his now-wife, Adams realized that he wanted to marry her while waiting for a train at North Station, beneath TD Garden.

When TD Garden accepted Adams’ application to be its 2026 House Artist, Adams thought he had imagined it.

“Funny enough, I got the message in the middle of my oldest daughter’s birthday. And, I think the email might have accidentally got deleted. So, I kind of went into a panic and thought that I just told my family a massive lie,” said Adams.

Fortunately, Adams reached out to TD Garden and resolved the issue. He began work on his mural commission, which came along with his appointment.

The TD Garden House Artist program, launched in 2023, puts out an open call for underrepresented local artists every year to feature their artwork prominently at the front entrance of the arena, which hosts 3.5 million people at over 200 events annually. TD Garden announced that Ryan Adams would be its 2026 House Artist this month.

Artists chosen for the program receive a $10,000 commission, installation and display of their artwork at or around TD Garden, and social media collaboration, according to TD Garden’s website.

Adams’ mural for TD Garden features iconic landmarks around Boston, such as the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, the Massachusetts State House, and the Beacon Hill Monument, as well as TD Garden itself.

“We are excited to welcome Ryan Adams as our 2026 TD Garden House Artist,” said Glen Thornborough, president of TD Garden, as well as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Boston Bruins. “As we celebrate Massachusetts 250, this mural offers a bold, contemporary tribute to the Commonwealth’s history and enduring spirit.”

Zac Nouri, a retail market manager at TD Bank US, said that company was proud to be exhibiting Adams’ mural.

“Ryan’s work is a great example of how art can reflect both where we’ve come from and where we’re going,” said Nouri. “As we recognize Massachusetts 250, this mural not only honors the Commonwealth’s history and spirit but also highlights the role artists play in shaping culture, sparking dialogue, and building connections across communities.”

TD Garden’s House Artist program is intended not only to expand access to the arts but also support local talent.

“I think it’s amazing that they’re even affording artists the opportunity to have something up at such a monumental location, and I think it’s really cool that they’re committing to supporting local artists,” said Adams.

Adams, who began his art career as a young graffiti artist, later moved into his signature “gem” style when designing murals for local businesses. He creates geometric designs made from the flourishes and extensions that are traditionally added to graffiti to abstract it from regular typography. 

But Adam’s pathway to TD Garden hasn’t come without obstacles.

Beyond the difficulty of making a living off creating artwork alone, Adams sometimes found himself being overlooked because of his race and art style.

“I’m a Black artist that uses spray paint in his work. There were a lot of places not even recognizing my existence. So, there was a bit of an uphill battle there,” he said.

Adams has since risen to become a prominent figure in the Portland arts community.

“I’m making a living off my work without depending on the folks that didn’t want to acknowledge my existence prior to,” he said. “As creatives, you get creative and figure it out.”

Since quitting a corporate job about 10 years ago, Adams has been working full time as an artist. Alongside his wife, Rachel Gloria Adams, Ryan Adams has a long history of designing murals and signs around Maine. Most recently, the couple painted a mural in Lewiston that was unveiled Friday. 

But local art lovers won’t need to travel to Lewiston or Boston to see the couple’s new artwork. Ryan and Rachel Adams are also working on a couple of large murals in Portland that will be appearing this summer.

“Obviously, any chance you get to paint in the home turf, it’s really exciting,” he said.