Atlanta artist, United Way team up in ‘Wash for ATL’ campaign

Atlanta artist R. Land is well known for his colorful cat designs and maybe especially for his work, “Pray for ATL.”

But amid the coronavirus outbreak, Land has adapted his iconic work for the moment.

The normally black-and-white hands have been turned into a blue-and-white design. And where it once said “Pray for ATL,” the new, timely artwork says “Wash for ATL.”

Credit: Courtesy of R. Land

Credit: Courtesy of R. Land

Originally, Land posted the adaptation on social media as a public service announcement for fellow Atlantans. But it quickly grew into something greater.

Land has teamed up with the United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to help the organizations’ COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

The artwork has been printed on stickers, mugs and T-Shirts and a portion of the sales will be donated to the fund.

The money is being used to provide crucial services to high-risk populations like seniors, families in need of child care, children who normally receive free or reduced meals at school, those at risk for eviction and hourly or low-wage workers, according to the United Way.

"I created the ‘Wash for ATL’ design as a light-hearted way to remind people of the importance of washing their hands to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. It received such a big response with a ton of purchase requests, so that’s when we decided it would be a great way to raise money and awareness,” Land said in a press release.

The T-shirts, which can be purchased here, are selling for $28-$30 and $10 from each purchase goes to the United Way. Donations can also be made directly to the fund here.

“We’re humbled and grateful to have the support of a visionary like R.Land,” Milton J. Little Jr., president and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, said in a release. “Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to support those affected by the pandemic along with small businesses that may be impacted. This partnership supports both and we are thrilled.”