New York artist Scott LoBaido is on a year-long tour called “Painting Flags Across America” where he plans to paint one flag on a Veterans Post in each of the 50 States.
Antioch was his 11th stop which the tour began on February 20 and is anticipated to finish on September 25.
This past week, he has been in Antioch painting the back of the American Legion Post 161 which can be viewed from 7th Street. Friday, a dedication was held where it was all smiles.
American Legion State Commander Janet Wilson, explained how Antioch was chosen after Redwood City had passed on the offer.
“I answered the phone and it was his PR person looking for the Redwood City post and gave them the number. They said no we have been trying those numbers and can’t get anyone to answer the phone. explained Wilson. I though we are doing this project, we have a building I have been waiting 10-years to get a mural on, if you can we will take it,” explained Wilson. “We jumped on it Monday morning, we started painting on Wednesday. It’s very important we thank the artist.”
Antioch Mayor Wade Harper praised LoBaido for including Antioch as part of his mission and bringing attention to veterans.
“We are trying to Keep Antioch Beautiful, the mural is another way to do that,” said Harper. “We want to thank the American Legion for everything they do. Thank you Scott for doing what you do and thinking of Antioch.”
Artist Scott LoBatio explained during the dedication that while he likes the attention from what he is doing, that is really attention through him that needs to go towards the veteran community. He highlighted that people supporting the military should work together and that no group is better than one another because the only group who can be special is the men and women of the armed forces.
“I have chosen my talent, this gift that god gave me, to paint and reproduce versions of the greatest work of art to me, the greatest work of art in history which is the American Flag,” explained LoBaito “It’s a work of art. We don’t really see it as a work of art but it is. It was created and a great work of art has so much meaning. What symbol has the most meaning, a humanitarian meaning than the American Flag.”
LoBatio further highlighted that America is the greatest place in the world.
“We are more special, why, it’s not because we are stronger or because we are better at this or that, it’s because we are the world. The only place in the world that houses diversity from every corner of the world and people forget that. That is what makes us unbelievable, so ya America is the best and I am proud to say that and I want to spread that,” said LoBatio.
LoBatio said during the dedication that the mural on the building is not just for every veteran in Antioch, but it’s for every veteran in California.
LoBaido’s tour is sponsored by The Home Depot, Behr Paint, City Quiet Windows and Stephen Stiller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
For more information about the muralist or to follow his tour, visit www.scottlobaido.com.
4 comments
This is a great thing for all of California and especially Antioch. I really hope thugs do not ruin this. Maybe it can be the change this city needed. Now I can hope other local artist can do this on other buildings to continue this movement.
Thanks for all the great photos of this event, Mike. Scott’s painting is absolutely amazing!!
Glad the Mayor was there. I wonder why he’s never around to address our crime.
It is very impressive. I saw it on the news yesterday.
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