Atlantans chalk it up as a way to cope through pandemic

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Atlantans chalk it up as a way to cope through pandemic

Art teacher Lata Fields created this ode to the U2 hit "Beautiful Day" as a way to uplift her neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic

Teacher and chalk artist Lata Fields of Hogansville has been drawing inspirational messages and pictures in her driveway to encourage and cheer up passing neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic. CONTRIBUTED

Jessi Queen and her husband Zach Herndon draw a mammoth mural of a friend who is an anesthesiologist working with COVID patients. When their portion of the portrait is done, it will be virtually stitched together with those of other artist friends in Seattle, Houston and California, and presented to the doctor in a stop-action video. Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

April 21, 2020 Atlanta - Jessi Queen draws a mammoth mural of a friend, who is an anesthesiologist working with COVID patients, at their home in East Atlanta on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. One woman and her friends are drawing a massive mural portrait of a friend who is a doctor placing people on ventilators. Another family is leaving messaged for those who feel isolated under social distancing orders. Chalk art creations are popping up all over the city. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)

Finish portrait by Jessi Queen and Zach Herndon

Susan Ward’s chalk art helps her family and neighborhood get through the pandemic. It’s part of an international trend as people try to communicate with each other during stay-at-home orders.

Susan Ward’s chalk art to help her and her Alpharetta neighborhood get through the stay at home orders during the coronavirus pandemic. People around the world are leaving similar messages as a way to cope and stay connected. CONTRIBUTED

Susan Ward has used Instagram accounts such as #chalkthewalk as inspiration for her chalk art messages to her Alpharetta neighborhood during the pandemic.

Judy Hanna's granddaughters surprised her and chalked her driveway on a recent Saturday. She said she watched them from her porch and missed being able to hug them.

Judi Hanna's granddaughters couldn't visit inside their grandmother's home, so they left her messages outside.

Judi Hanna said a few days after her granddaughters chalked her driveway, the rain washed their work away. Their art will remain one of her fondest memories of enduring the pandemic, she said.

April 21, 2020 Atlanta - Zach Herndon draws a chalk art as his wife Jessi Queen and their son Lachlan, 2, look at their home in East Atlanta on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. One woman and her friends are drawing a massive mural portrait of a friend who is a doctor placing people on ventilators. Another family is leaving messaged for those who feel isolated under social distancing orders. Chalk art creations are popping up all over the city. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)

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Art teacher Lata Fields created this ode to the U2 hit "Beautiful Day" as a way to uplift her neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic

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