GRAFFITI ARTIST LEON RAINBOW: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF JERSEY FRESH JAM
FROM FREIGHT TRAINS TO LOUIS VUITTON
Trenton-based graffiti and mural artist Leon Rainbow, every wall tells a story. Sometimes it’s a tribute, sometimes it’s a call to action—but it’s always about transforming space into something vibrant, meaningful, and alive.
“I’ve painted walls that were once just ugly gray,” Leon says. “Now they’re colorful, attractive, and part of the community. That’s the magic—turning something blank into something people stop and appreciate.”
Leon’s work has reached millions—literally. One of his videos, simply showing him peeling tape off a painted freight train, racked up over 20 million views online. But for him, the views aren’t the point—it’s about the experience of creating and connecting. “Part of painting is the process. The journey is the destination.”
JERSEY FRESH JAM: 20 YEARS OF CREATIVITY
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Jersey Fresh Jam, New Jersey’s premier graffiti and hip-hop festival, founded by Leon. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, artists from across the country will gather in Trenton to paint, perform, and celebrate the culture.
The celebration will also feature special events:
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August 8: A screening of The Art of Storytelling with filmmaker Eulogy, plus an art show.
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August 15: A character workshop demo with California artist King 157 at Slam and Brew in downtown Trenton.
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August 16: The main Jersey Fresh Jam—live painting, music, and community vibes.
“Trenton has always embraced me,” Leon says. “When I came here, there wasn’t a big graffiti scene, so we built it from the ground up. Jersey Fresh Jam grew out of that energy—artists, musicians, and community all coming together.”
BEYOND THE SPRAY CAN
Leon isn’t just painting walls—he’s shaping the next generation. Through graffiti and mural classes, he teaches young artists the techniques, discipline, and creative mindset needed to take their art from sketchbook to cityscape.
“A mentor once took me under his wing and taught me things you can’t learn just by looking at a wall,” Leon says. “That’s why I teach now. Someone taught me, and I want to pass that on.”
His positive approach is at the heart of his work:
“My art is my voice—my protest, my agreement, my whisper, my shout, and my cry. Right now, my message is positivity. I want my work to inspire people, especially in a world that can feel so negative.”
WHY IT MATTERS
From painting Louis Vuitton in-store events to large-scale community murals in Trenton and Philadelphia, Leon has proven that graffiti is more than rebellion—it’s a tool for transformation. His projects bring color to neglected spaces, spark conversation, and remind people of the beauty in their own neighborhoods.
“Supporting local artists matters,” Leon says. “We’re giving back—not just with art, but with energy, inspiration, and a sense of pride in our cities.”
JERSEY FRESH JAM – 20TH ANNIVERSARY
🗓 Saturday, August 16, 2025
📍 1 TerraCycle Way, Trenton, NJ 08638
Learn more:
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Jersey Fresh Jam: https://jerseyfreshjam.com/
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Instagram: @aerosoleon