Black Lives Matter mural painted on uptown Charlotte street, road closed to vehicles

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Local artists are creating a Black Lives Matter mural on Tryon Street between Third and Fourth streets in uptown Charlotte.

The work got underway Tuesday morning. Each of the 16 artists involved, working in collaboration with the City of Charlotte, Charlotte Is Creative, Brand the Moth, and BLKMRKTCLT, will have paint their own vision for each letter.

The City of Charlotte is temporarily closing South Tryon Street between Third and Fourth Streets to vehicles starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 12.

The artists involved are:

• Dammit Wesley
• Dakotah Aiyanna
• Matthew Clayburn
• Abel Jackson
• Garrison Gist
• Owl & Arko
• Kyle Mosher
• Franklin Kernes
• Kiana Mui
• Marcus Kiser
• Georgie Nakima
• Zach McLean
• Frankie Zombie
• CHD:WCK!
• John Hairston
• Dari Calamari

Charlotte DOT says all road users should be cautious in the area and watch for other road users. Officials want people to be able to safely view and experience the mural.

“The City of Charlotte and Charlotte Center City Partners are encouraged by the community’s response to the Black Lives Matter mural, but ask that pedestrians in the area follow social distancing guidelines and be aware of traffic as they travel to and from the mural,” City of Charlotte tweeted. "The city and its partners will continue to collaborate on additional ways the community can experience this impactful public art installation.

The city says they will also work with area businesses to identify and prepare for any impacts that result from the street closure.

Supporters and organizers with the Million Youth March Of Charlotte gathering at the mural Tuesday night to take a knee in a moment of silence.

Copyright 2020 WBTV. All rights reserved.