The "How Others Work Through Their Fears & Frustrations" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just passed a very interesting piece of artwork on South Prince Street near Farnum Street.  I stopped to view it and found it had been painted by Adam Serrano who wrote that most of his murals involve the community in one way or another and this piece was no different.  The message that "my mask protects you, your mask protects me" was meant to be loud and translated in three other languages.  Being that it still didn't feel like enough of an impact, he made a Facebook post requesting selfies from anyone on the frontlines of the medical field in Lancaster, PA. He received nearly 200 images.  Perfect for his collage "rip and stick" style.  There are 10 such pieces of art now on display in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania that are sponsored by Lancaster Public Art.  All 10 pieces are geared toward the current Coronavirus disaster as far as the message they convey.  The location for the art was identified utilizing a "vulnerability index" ranking median income, the population 65+ years old, the population living alone, and the following pre-existing conditions (COPD, High Blood Pressure, Asthma and Diabetes).  Locations and projects were additionally vetted by neighborhood leaders. All artists selected live or work in the city and represent a wide diversity of City perspectives.  Check out the artwork which follows and you will see the amount of diversity, art wise, that Lancaster offers.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - click on images to enlarge them.

Adam Serrano - South Prince Street near Farnum.

Annajane Dauphine - Rodney Park
This artwork is based on her own perspective, and because the viewers of her piece do not have her perspective, they will create their own.  "That is the best thing I could ask for, because it is impossible for me to see it from their perspective, and so values and lessons can be lost by forcing only my view point."

Chomingo & Esther Rivas Miller  - location unknown
The idea of the piece "Superheroes at Home" comes home from prevention and distance as it is being applied in various places.  We tried to create how we can be superheroes daily taking hygienic measures and being creative with our family and children.

Krissy Whiski - Penn Square
Creating this mural was exciting and I was happy to be chosen to do so because many of my close friends live and work in Lancaster and I want them to be safe.  When creating the mural I chose the notable Renaissance art futures David and Venus, because after the plague, came the Renaissance. The message is certain, wearing a mask is an act of solidarity and kindness to others, in that it can help to slow the spread and flatten the curve, which helps everyone, especially our healthcare workers on the front lines and who are most susceptible to catching the virus.

Maria Tomassetti - 6th Ward Park
When we talk about social distancing, we're not just talking about a physical boundary used to protect ourselves and others, although that is absolutely the intention.  If we truly love our neighbor, our friends and family, then we're going to take the highest and most appropriate action to achieve that protection. 

Loryn Spangler Jones - Corner of Mulberry & James
This has been a truly transforming experience for me, filling me with new life, optimism and stronger than ever sense of community.  My hope is some that bleeds through to the public...it feels like a big hug to every member of our community from my heart that has always been too big for my chest.

Katie Trainer - Corner of Mulberry & Vine
My piece "Together" is intended to have structure that comes from chaos, such as the world in relation to Covid-19.  The background is a blend of textures and colors.  The layering adds richness and structure of a nurse with a face mask.

Keisha Finnie - Ross Elementary School
Once receiving the call that I had been chosen as 1 of the 10 artists to do a PSA Temporary Mural, I already had in mind the idea and message I wanted to portray.  Being that I too am affected by a mental condition, I wanted to show the importance of taking care of your mental health, especially in these times when we are quarantined and forced to face ourselves more than usual.  

Salina Almanzar - Roberto Clemente Field
My piece is a self-portrait that uses elements from my heritage as a Puerto Rican and Dominician woman.  I wanted to use bright colors, Caribbean flowers and foliage, and elements the remind me of strong women in my community.  While we need reminders to maintain distance, wash our hands, and keep our masks on, we also must remember to take are of our mental health.  In creating this piece, I wanted to convey the fact that our minds are often the drivers of our feelings.  

Shaun Hogart - Reservoir Park
With this PSA mural, I was really hoping to bring a little color and a bit of hope to the wonderful people of Lancaster.  This has been, and continues to be, a really difficult time.  Its easy to get mired down, and feel alone, But, the really is that we really are, "All in this together.  We are all fighting the same fight, moving toward the same goal."