Located near Queens Place Mall near Elmhurst Hospital, the “In it Together” mural by Stae2 was commissioned as an inspirational message to the community which was hit especially hard by COVID-19. Elmhurst was one of the epicenters in the early days of the pandemic, but the community rallied together to get through it. Stae2 developed the design with various bright colors, textured patterns, and visual elements layered in a way to represent the cultural diversity of Queens, saying, “diversity is what makes Queens so special to all of us.”

The bold typography of the word “together” is what immediately caught my eye, drawing focus to the main symbol of community unity. It’s clear the artist chose this word as the focal point to emphasize the community’s strength and resilience as they weathered intense challenges.

Stae2’s background in both street art and graphic design is evident in his use of expressive letterforms, vibrant colors, and layered patterns and shapes. The movement in the lettering and surrounding colors give the mural a rhythmic flow, creating asymmetrical balance that keeps your eyes moving across the wall. The repeating patterns of dots and splatters around the painting add to that sense of energy, mirroring the diversity and liveliness of the city itself.

Overall, the mural is bold, punchy, and conveys an inspiring message of hope and togetherness. It’s a beautiful visual reminder of what we can overcome when we face challenges united as a community.