WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC — Beachgoers on Wrightsville Wednesday caught an inspiring yet concise message flying amongst the clouds.
“Together.”
It’s a word emphasized in recent months as many try to grapple with the times amid a polarizing election and taxing pandemic. A plane towing a printed banner with the artistic text flew back and forth over Johnnie Mercer’s Pier around noon to spread optimism in the coastal community.
Related: CAM celebrates the 19th Amendment, features 90% of female artists from its permanent collection
The piece was created by Milton Glaser when he was in between dialysis. The graphic designer was best known for his “I Love NY” logo, as well as incorporating “more than ever” in the trademark post-9/11.
Glaser died in June on his 91st birthday.
Despite the varying sizes and contrasting colors of each letter in the word, the graphic evokes a sense of unity, and the chaotic relationship between the characters produces playful and joyous energy.
In one of the last interviews before his death, Glaser told The New York Times he wished to distribute it to the country.
A group of artists, architects, dancers, composers and other creators is doing just that by parading the graphic across the U.S. ahead of Election Day, Nov. 3.
“As people think about voting or go to the polls or especially afterward, regardless of what happens, we want to feel a little bit of optimism and a little bit of possibility,” said Charlie Haykel, a Los Angeles-based live events producer working on the project. “We wanted to put some good feelings out in the world.”
Through a series of events put on by Haykel and his community, the “Together” design will catch the eyes of millions of Americans this week. Aircrafts are scheduled to soar banners in the skies of 48 states. There is also crop art revealing the design across the Midwest, live mural paintings in cities and night-time video projections on buildings.
