Illustration of Bear with "Wear - Wait - Wash"

3 W’s Public Safety Campaign by Will Hornaday of Hornaday Design.

Thanks to a collaboration among Explore Asheville and public and nonprofit partners, a colorful safety campaign was developed in late 2020 to remind visitors and residents about the 3 W’s: “Wear a Mask | Wait 6 Feet Apart | Wash Your Hands.”

As Asheville began to emerge from the pandemic, the design was refreshed, with the message that businesses — doing their best to serve guests and customers despite challenges like labor shortages — ask patrons to “Be Kind | Be Patient | Be Our Guest” and “Bear With Us.”

3 W’s: Once Again an Important Public Safety Message – Replenish Your Supply Now!

As the rise in COVID cases from the Delta variant accelerates, the Buncombe County Department of Heath & Human Services recommends that all individuals wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Social distancing and handwashing are also important ways to help slow the spread of the virus.

Now is the time to replenish your supply of 3 W’s materials for your business. Flyers, posters and window clings are available, but quantities are limited. Stop by any of these locations, weekdays during business hours for pickup.

  • Asheville Visitor Center at 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Asheville Downtown Association at 29 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 201 E State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711
  • Explore Asheville CVB at 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801

3 B’s Public Service Campaign by Will Hornaday of Hornaday Design.


How the Original Public Safety Campaign Came About

Explore Asheville’s desire to reinforce health and safety messaging led to development of the project. Joined by public health officials with Buncombe County and staff with the City of Asheville, a plan was created with a $15,000 grant from the Federal CARES act, available to destination marketing organizations for promotional efforts in support of pandemic response and recovery.

Asheville Area Arts Council was contracted to select artists for the project. Three local individuals submitted designs, each of whom were paid for their concepts. Asheville Art Museum assisted the project leaders in selecting the winning design, a whimsical illustration created by local designer Will Hornaday of Hornaday Design.

For more details on the original safety campaign, view a brief presentation from the October 28, 2020 meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. View the recording here.