From Underground to Mainstream: Leon Rainbow Brings Community and Culture to Bridge City Collective
When you walk into Bridge City Collective, a premier New Brunswick dispensary, you’re immediately greeted by more than just exceptional service and top-quality cannabis. On the walls of the New Brunswick location, you’ll find a stunning, colorful mural that pays homage to the city’s history, culture, and creative spirit — thanks to the work of renowned graffiti artist Leon Rainbow.
We recently sat down with Leon to talk about his journey as an artist, the inspiration behind the mural, and what it means to bring his underground roots to a weed dispensary in NJ.
🎥 Watch the mural come to life on Facebook: View the Reel
A Journey Rooted in 80s Culture and Mentorship
Leon Rainbow’s love of graffiti blossomed out of the bold colors, urban textures, and raw energy of the 1980s. Influenced by the vibrant street art he saw growing up and guided by mentors like Maxx Moses, Leon developed a distinctive style that blends patterns, textures, and storytelling in a way that’s uniquely his.
“I like to create pieces that speak to the community, that tell a story people here can connect with,” he explained.
Leon’s portfolio includes not only dispensary murals but also his Increase the Peace projects — large-scale murals promoting anti-violence and positivity throughout local neighborhoods.
The Bridge City Collective Mural: Celebrating Local Culture
When asked about the vision behind the Bridge City Collective New Brunswick mural, Leon shared that he wanted to capture the journey of graffiti art moving from underground subculture into the mainstream.
“The idea was to create something everyday people could enjoy — something that still acknowledges the underground scene but is approachable and welcoming,” he said.
He drew inspiration from the historic Raritan River train bridge, a site long associated with local graffiti, and paid tribute to New Brunswick’s community of artists by weaving nods to their work into the mural. Together with his creative partner, Busta, Leon delivered a collaborative piece that reflects both the city’s heritage and its progressive future.
Art in Dispensaries: Creative Challenges and Opportunities
This wasn’t Leon’s first time painting for a dispensary — he has previously worked with brands like Jersey Smooth and Simply Pure. But creating art for cannabis businesses does come with its own set of creative challenges.
“There are restrictions around what kind of imagery you can use, so you have to find creative ways to evoke the vibe without being literal,” he explained.
That challenge didn’t dampen his enthusiasm, though. On the contrary, it pushed him to come up with an even more thoughtful design that would resonate with customers of the New Brunswick location.
Community at the Heart of Every Project
Throughout our conversation, one theme kept coming up: community.
Whether it’s collaborating with local organizations, mentoring students, or ensuring residents feel seen in his work, Leon believes that murals should reflect the people who live around them.
“I always try to involve people from the community so that it’s not just my art, but our art,” he said.
That spirit of collaboration is part of what makes the Bridge City Collective mural so powerful — it’s not just decoration, but a tribute to the culture, creativity, and resilience of New Brunswick.
See It for Yourself
Next time you’re in the area, stop by Bridge City Collective’s New Brunswick dispensary location to see Leon Rainbow’s work up close. His mural is more than just art on the wall — it’s a story of how underground creativity can shine in the mainstream, connecting people through color and culture.
For more of Leon’s work, check out his website at leonrainbow.com and follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bridge City Collective different from other dispensaries in NJ?
Bridge City Collective stands out among dispensaries in NJ for its focus on community, culture, and creativity. In addition to providing top-quality cannabis products, our New Brunswick dispensary features a one-of-a-kind mural by local graffiti artist Leon Rainbow, celebrating the city’s heritage and artistic spirit.
Where is the Bridge City Collective dispensary in New Brunswick located?
Our dispensary in New Brunswick is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easy for local residents and visitors alike to stop in, explore our wide selection, and take in the vibrant mural art. Click here to get directions to our New Brunswick dispensary!
Can I see the mural even if I’m not shopping for cannabis
Yes! Visitors are welcome to come by our dispensary in New Brunswick NJ to view the mural and learn more about Leon Rainbow’s work, even if you’re just stopping in to enjoy the art and atmosphere.
What products can I find at your New Jersey dispensary?
At our weed dispensary in New Brunswick NJ, we carry a wide variety of premium cannabis flower strains to suit every preference and experience level. In addition to flower, our dispensaries in NJ offer pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, and more. Learn even more about our New Brunswick dispensary here!
