Reina 76 Artist with two of her paintings in the Governor’s Residence.
Harrisburg’s Reina 76 Artist is having one of those pinch me moments.
The Pennsylvania-born and raised artist recently opened a special exhibit showcasing Black history in the Governor’s Residence, just in time to celebrate both Juneteenth and July 4th.
“For a Pennsylvanian and Pennsylvanian of color, this is my biggest, most exciting opportunity,” Reina said. “It’s like the ultimate Keystone experience.”
For Reina, having art in the Governor’s Residence is one of the biggest moments of her career, as she’s able to show her work and share a message close to her heart as well.
Her six pieces, which will be on display through Aug. 1, feature “Pennsylvania Leaders of Color in America 250.” The paintings depict William Penn, Dr. Rebecca J. Cole, Octavius Catto and the Susquehannock tribe.
Reina’s paintings in the Governor’s Residence.
Reina said that Dr. Rebecca J. Cole was the first Black female doctor in the commonwealth. The artist also shared a bit about her own history, saying that she has Black and Venezuelan roots, was born in Philadelphia and, at 12, lived with her grandparents on their Susquehanna County farm.
“If my grandparents were alive to hear this, they would be just beyond happy for me because they love Pennsylvania so much,” she said. “They always fought to be part of the conversation of Black people being farmers in Pennsylvania and having a voice. This is kind of what keeps me going and has allowed me to persist in making sure that the state of Pennsylvania knows that artists of color are very pivotal and influential here.”
Reina hopes that her paintings will be a conversation starter and will encourage viewers to look into the history of the leaders represented, as often people of color are not recognized for their accomplishments.
“I wasn’t taught this history in school, many of us were not,” she said. “People of color, we are America 250. We are part of this history.”
The response to her work has already been overwhelmingly positive, Reina said. While the Governor’s Residence is still closed to public tours after the 2025 arson attack, people interested in Reina’s artwork can visit her studio (#104) at The Millworks.
To other local artists, Reina had one message.
“Never give up on yourself. Continue to create and continue to collaborate with those in your community.”
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