Work of Dominican artist, Reisha Felix, spotlighted in Canada

Reisha Felix, a Dominican artist living in Canada, is making significant strides in the Canadian art scene, recently having her work featured on one of Durham Region Transit’s buses as part of the municipality’s 2025 Black History Month campaign. This display, which marks her first major public art showcase, highlights Felix’s commitment to celebrating Black culture and identity through her vibrant artwork.

“I am incredibly honored that my artwork has been selected for the Region of Durham’s Black History Month campaign,” said Reisha, founder of ReiCreations Art. She revealed that this opportunity came about through a colleague who recognized her talent and encouraged her to submit her art to the organization.

“As a Black woman, having my art displayed on such a prominent platform signifies that we are being seen, heard, and appreciated,” she asserted.

The bus wrap features Reisha’s piece titled “Free to Just Be,” which celebrates Black hairstyles as symbols of resistance and resilience.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the versatility of Black hair and how it tells our stories,” she stated. “Through my work, I want my art to be a part of that movement as I aim to help reshape the narrative around Black and textured hair.”

The artwork incorporates textile patterns reflecting her African roots, alongside elements such as madras and hibiscus that nod to Reisha’s Dominican heritage and Creole culture.

This marks two firsts for Reisha: it’s her first major public art display in Canada and her first collaboration with a municipality—a significant milestone for this self-taught artist establishing herself in the art world. Reisha’s work has been showcased in exhibitions throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is included in personal collections across the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. Her artistic stylings feature a distinct technique involving acrylic paints and hot glue to create her signature textured hair effect in portrait pieces.

Reisha’s artistic journey, a blend of personal passion and cultural expression, began in her childhood, inspired by her mother’s creativity.

“I had so much fun and realized that it reignited that passion within me to create art,” she recalled, discussing how a sip-and-paint event rekindled her enthusiasm for creativity. With a background in biology and a career initially focused on finance, she eventually found her true calling in the arts, aiming to uplift and inspire others through her work.

The Region of Durham will, quite literally, put Reisha’s work on the road, but her artistic journey still has miles to go. As her work gains visibility, Reisha aspires to inspire young people in the region, encouraging them to embrace their creativity.

“Curiosity is at the heart of creativity and lifelong learning, both essential tools for pursuing this kind of work,” she noted. “When you create from a place of passion, it shines through in your art and resonates with others.”