A to Z Challenge: My theme this year is NYC before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STREET ART: Street art can consists of several types of art including installations and performance, but for this post, I’m focusing on murals and artwork (some commissioned; others not). I don’t have enough room here (or knowledge) to offer even the basic history of street art; you can find an insane amount of articles online about it. NYC is plastered with amazing street art, from amateurs to the well known, like this Banksy, entitled “Hammer Boy” on 79th St. between Broadway & Amsterdam Ave.

There are also several by Brazilian artist, Eduardo Kobra whose recognizable style involves bright colors and bold lines within a kaleidoscope style. His work is incredible.

Coming across street art makes me happy, whether it’s a tiny little heart, or a massive mural. I may not always understand the artist’s message, but I appreciate it’s there.

SUPPORT: This is something I feel we ought to be doing all the time, but if there’s any time to offer support, it’s now. You might feel your reserves are running low because you’re needing assistance, too, but there are various ways to lend a germ-free hand.

Emotional support can go a long way, so reach out to friends and family through text, email, and video chat. Allowing someone to air their sorrows and fears can be a gift; just letting it all out can make room for optimism and positivity to settle in.

Check on neighbors, especially ones living alone, by slipping a note under their door with your phone number. If they don’t have anyone to talk to, can you imagine their loneliness? Rack your brain for all those people in your life who live alone and by all mean, give ’em a holler. Set up Zoom game nights, happy hours, and other fun activities, like trivia night. It gives you all something to look forward to after the monotonous day-to-day.

If you are able to offer monetary support, I gave several options in my J-post, but here are some other things you can do:

• Chip in to support your building staff (if you live in an apartment building). Someone in our building posted in our online resident portal (that no one ever reads) that she’d like to start a fund for our building staff. Only myself and a couple of others replied, so she printed off little slips of paper explaining what we’d like to do and divvied them up so we could distribute them under everyone’s doors–a great way to start a project and keep our distance.

• Shop small business . So many folks who make a living as artists are really having a rough time. Get on Etsy and do some shopping (you can find some very cool masks right now). I just bought some earrings from a local artist I met last Christmas. She’s thrilled to have the support and I’m thrilled to have unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Think about these folks and consider doing your birthday and holiday shopping now. This is also the perfect time to get used to the practice of shopping local and supporting the little guys, because even when this quarantine is over, we ought to make some serious changes about where our money goes. Authors are also artists, so buy books from a local bookseller, or even the author’s website. (Bonus: they may even sign it for you.) One author friend, is donating 35% of proceeds to Direct Relief, so boom! You support both the author and a good cause.

• Order from local restaurants still offering take out. If you want to continue enjoying [insert your favorite restaurant meal] when this is all “over,” then hang up your pots and pans and let the pros cook. So many restaurants have already closed up for good here and it feels like it’s only the beginning.

• Make a list of all the local places you love that are in danger of closing their doors for good and rally the troops. So many businesses, from hair dressers to bakeries, to health care providers, are changing up the way they do business so they can still service their customers; keep tabs on what they’re up to and continue your patronage. Look, even if despite all efforts these businesses have to close, at least you tried. That’s so much better than making Jeff Bezos even richer.

What are some ways you’re offering your support? The more we share these things, the more we can help!