During a time of anxiety and confusion, drivers along McCarter Highway in Newark are welcomed by a sign with the word, "Hopeful." It was designed by artist Charlie Hewitt. Hewitt created the design before the pandemic. With help from his wife, he was able to get it on the billboard this year as well as other locations across New York, New Jersey & Connecticut. He says the response to his signs have been overwhelming. Charlie splits his time between New Jersey and Maine has been able to get the art in more locations since then. He would like to see its presence continue to grow. Charlie is working in partnership with his art dealer, Jim Kempner, in putting up the billboards. Jim has a large hopeful sculpture in the window of his gallery at 23rd and 10th in Manhattan and has Hopeful prints for sale in the gallery. Charlie and Jim have explored the sites in NJ together and both personally pay for Hopeful to expand its message on billboards.
Caption courtesy of PIX11 News.
