In Oakland, as in many cities across the country, storefronts are boarded up to protect against looters. This week Redditor mtweiner put out a call for local artists to help prettify them with murals, and the response was tremendous. "We have had tons of families come out in the last couple days, and a few folks who've just stopped by and helped out while on a walk," s/he writes.

Even those without artistic talents can contribute. "I can't paint for shit, but I want to help out," wrote one commenter. "Is there a gofundme/Venmo for supplies? Or for food/water? I'd love to contribute!"

While no direct funding system is in place, non-artists have stopped by the sites (13th and Broadway is the approximate epicenter) with water and snacks, and mtweiner is seeking "any spray cans, ladders, poles, brushes, or paint you have around that you would like to donate," to supply these materials to artists who don't have their own.

If you're local to Oakland and want to contribute, you can follow the thread here.

via BoingBoing