DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- Driving through Deep Ellum to Downtown Dallas you may notice art work painted on boarded windows: colorful murals and positive messages.
“It’s a cool collective community message and most of them are extremely artistic and very positive, straightforward and outspoken. It’s beautiful, and it’s a reflection of some of the issues going on portrayed through artwork,” said Dallas resident Jesse Smith.
Though the boarded windows are covering up damaged property from riots in lig
ht of George Floyd’s death, business owners say it’s a reminder of the past but also a sign of love and peace moving forward.
“This was not something we prepared for but it’s a sign of a relieve that there’s hope in the future and that lets us know we can overcome just about anything,” said Ronnie Burns, Construction Manager who helps build and maintain restaurants in Downtown.
Angela Donalds lives near downtown, she calls the artwork inspiring. “I was downtown when a lot of the shops and restaurant were damaged and let me be clear, I support the protests but I also support the local businesses and I understand the frustration,” said Donalds. “But looking around and seeing what this community did…they turned something that could have been negative into positive messages,” she said.
Dino Santonicola is the owner of an Italian restaurant on Main Street. He said after they fix their broken windows, they plan to keep the painted plywood. 
“We want to frame and put it inside the lobby as a display. We are all united. It’s a great Message,” he said.
Even if it’s not displayed inside businesses, some say the artwork should be kept and displayed in a museum of some sort. “To remind us where we came from so we can get better in the future,” said Burns.
The plywood covering up shattered glass is a symbol of a band-aid, in a time of healing. However, the colorful paintings and messages shows that the community is coming together.
