There are many ways to fight a pandemic. One way is with a paintbrush. 

Over the past few months, we have shared information about Charlotte artists using their skills to artfully encourage the public to wash their hands, wait six feet apart and wear masks. All of this was part of the #CountOnMeCLT initiative launched by Mecklenburg County.

Portions of this initiative have used radio, television, print and digital media to spread the message of remaining vigilant against the coronavirus. The four artists selected for this program — Ricky Singh, Girish Nair, Irisol Gonzales and Lo’Vonia Parks — used the time-honored tradition of window painting to engage the public. They spoke with passersby and neighbors as they worked and left behind colorful reminders that everyone needs to do their part during the pandemic. Muralist Jen Hill served as the project’s consulting artist.

Now, all four windows — scattered across east, west and south Charlotte and uptown — are ready and waiting for you. So, mask up and head out on your own photo safari. 

#CountOnMeCLT Window Murals and Artists

Artists are arranged by the order in which the windows were scheduled.

Ricky Singh

Location: West End Fresh Seafood Market
Address/Directions: 2206 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28216

What was the inspiration for your window?

“[F]inding an opportunity to demonstrate health and safety under the banner of ‘love.'”

What was the experience like? 

“The experience of being on Beatties Ford Rd. is always … humbling, full of love and light and a feeling that you are always a student. From the many conversations I had with our wiser community that frequented West End Seafood Market to the youth coming to show #BeattiesFordStrong support, it was always a bucket filler to be doing this kind of work at home.”

“I hope people remember to live and act safely, visit the West End Corridor, support Black businesses and creatives and know that with community, comes love!”

Girish Nair 

Location: Tabla Restaurant
Address/Directions: 15025 Lancaster Hwy. D8, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

What was the inspiration for your window?

“I wanted to communicate how to stay vigilant. The multiracial hands projecting out of the virus (like a spike protein) depicts how non-racist the virus is. It is out there to grab you. The colorless viruses in the background show the invisible nature of the virus, and the bright colors show that this thing is on fire. The two faces of opposite sex are six feet apart, and that is to give people an idea of six feet.” 

“I hope people understand how dangerous this stuff [COVID-19] is. Every individual needs to stay vigilant and follow the guidelines, not just for their own sake but also for the people around you.”

What was the experience like? 

“Although I enjoyed the four to five hours I was there painting, it was cold there. And, you can get a bit stiff doing large murals. But, the constant flow of people and the comments were encouraging. “

Irisol Gonzales

Location: Manolo’s Bakery
Address/Directions: 4405 Central Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205

What was the inspiration for your window?

“El Chapulín Colorado is an icon in Spanish popular culture. He is a comedian who saves the day by messing everything up. I wanted people to not only relate to the character, but also to see the message that it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference. Even El Chapulín can do it.” 

What was the experience like? 

It was so much fun! I loved the energy of everyone there, and Manolo is always so kind and wonderful. 

Lo’Vonia Parks

Location: Spectrum Center
Address/Directions: 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte, N.C. 28202

What was the inspiration for your window?

“My inspiration was KISS: Keep It Simple, Silly. I thought about the approach further after chatting with artist Jen Hill. Keeping things simple was the outcome, and I wanted to infuse some ‘silly’ or ‘whimsy’ too. The silly is the use of bright, pop colors with hearts, smiles and patterns. The outcome: A joyous way to practice shared responsibility.”

“I hope people see the joy in the message and not the chore. We are struggling together, and we are not alone. We may be distanced from each other, but we are close in bonding over this trying time.”

What was the experience like? 

“I had a wonderful experience getting to interact with the public. People would walk by and become curious by the bright colors. I noticed as more color and patterns were painted on the windows, the more people seemed to be happy about it.” 

“One woman saw the painted hashtag, #COUNTONMECLT and exclaimed in joy, ‘Yeah! You can count on me, too!’ She gave me a thumbs up. The best feeling is knowing my art is helping get a good message across.” 

A Quick Photo Tour from Photographer Ernesto Moreno

“Photographing the process of each of the paintings was inspiring because, in addition to the message of each painting, I was able to see the effort and passion of each artist. I witnessed them preparing, dedicating time and talent to convey a clear message shown in a piece of art. I am honored and grateful to have been part of the team.” – Ernesto Moreno