A new large-scale mural by Antonio Reonegro and Tom Lynch of HAVOC Media Design continues the visual legacy of union labor in Houston.
HOUSTON, TX — July 4, 2025 — Local 24 of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) will unveil Unity Along the Houston Waterfront, a 16-foot by 8-foot hand-painted mural created by artists Antonio Reonegro and Tom Lynch of HAVOC Media Design, during their annual Fourth of July barbecue—a family celebration that draws union members, dignitaries, and guests from across Houston’s maritime community.
Installed inside the Local 24 union hall, the mural offers a sweeping, symbolic portrayal of a day in the life of a modern longshore worker. The imagery moves from early morning gatherings in the shape room through the full range of dockside labor—container handling, breakbulk operations, safety meetings, swearing-in ceremonies, and more—capturing both the grit and reverence that define union life.
Commissioned in late 2023, the project began after a introduction by Charles Montgomery, Director of Special Projects for the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District of the ILA, who had seen HAVOC Media Design’s previous work with the International Office—including a monumental mural and a bronze sculpture of ILA President Harold Daggett—and connected the artists with Gabriel Garza, President of Local 24 and their leadership.
Unity Along the Houston Waterfront was envisioned from the beginning as a companion to the historic mural by noted artist John Biggers, which has long stood as a visual landmark at Local 24. While Biggers’ work anchors the union’s legacy, the new piece reflects the evolution of the ILA—highlighting the integration of previously segregated locals, and the growing presence of women and workers of all nationalities. The mural makes a deliberate point of focusing on hands—the human hands that still drive the work—even as automation increasingly enters the industry.
Created entirely by hand using acrylic on canvas, the mural was designed and illustrated by Reonegro and Lynch at HAVOC Media Design’s studio. All sketching, photography, and reference gathering was done on-site during a visit to Local 24’s operations in Houston. The finished work captures the dignity, care, and complexity of labor along the Gulf.
“To be asked to create a visual companion to the John Biggers mural is no small thing,” said the artists in a joint statement. “That piece is sacred to the union and to Houston. Our goal wasn’t to compete with it—but to continue the story. To show how the union has grown, and to make sure people see that the work is still done by hand—by people who take pride in what they do.”
This mural is part of HAVOC Media Design’s ongoing work with communities and organizations that value meaningful visual storytelling—across labor, culture, education, and industry. For Reonegro and Lynch, each piece is a collaboration rooted in purpose. “These works are built to last,” they note. “We recognize the strength in someone’s story and bring it forward—into something visible, lasting, and true to the people it represents.”
For more info on Havoc Media, you can visit their website at: https://www.havocmedia.com
Leave a Reply