Tunnel to Towers Artist Scott LoBaido to Paint Flag in LeHigh Valley, 8/8; Gary Sinise Plays Concert, 8/17

Renowned artist Scott LoBaido, whose stunning depictions of the American flag can be seen all across America-from a 150,000 sq. ft. flag on a roof in Houston, TX, to a 20-ft. x 40-ft. flag on a Boys and Girls Club building in Temecula, CA-is now set to bring his patriotic artistry to the Lehigh Valley.

LoBaido will begin painting his trademark creation on Wednesday, August 8 as a thank you to Army Sgt. Adam Keys for his military service. The wall chosen to display LoBaido's artistry is adjacent to the State Theatre, at the corner of Northampton Street and North 5th Street, in Easton.

LoBaido says he considers the American flag, "The greatest piece of art ever created." That is why he says he wants to paint Old Glory in the Lehigh Valley to thank Keys for his service, as well as all the people who are supporting efforts to build Keys a "smart home," by purchasing a ticket to the Lt. Dan Band Concert.

Keys, a local hero, lost three limbs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan that has resulted in his undergoing more than 120 surgeries to date.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (named after a firefighter who was killed on 9/11), and the Gary Sinise Foundation have partnered to build a "smart home," to enable Keys to lead an independent life.

To raise funds to build the house, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise is performing a special concert with his Lt. Dan Band, named after the double-amputee veteran Sinise played in "Forrest Gump." The concert is on Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre.

Says Frank Siller, chairman of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, "We can't thank the folks in Lehigh Valley enough for supporting Adam in such a meaningful way. We also see Scott's flag as a permanent, very special thank you to Shelley Brown and the good people at the State Theatre for their enormous assistance and support."

Where/when to see LoBaido paint his American flag: On wall adjacent to the State Theatre-at the corner of Northampton Street and North 5th Street, in Easton. Best time for media-about 1 p.m.

To see another location where LoBaido painted Old Glory, in conjunction with a Gary Sinise Lt. Dan Band concert to build a "smart home" for a wounded warrior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFXiPi8mdSU

To purchase a ticket to the Gary Sinise Lt. Dan Band Concert on Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, Penn., go online to www.statetheatre.org or by calling (610) 252-3132. Tickets range from $35 to $75.

About Artist Scott LoBaido: He has painted the Stars and Stripes over 1000 times, as part of his personal "Flags Across America" pledge. He has painted his trademark version of the flag at least once in each state. He uses external latex paint, in nine different colors, and employs paint brushes and rollers.

From June 14-July 4, 2010, LoBaido completed a painting of the "World's largest version of Old Glory" (150,000 sq. ft., 3.5 acres) on a factory rooftop in Houston, TX. His goal is to ensure that every member of the military being deployed, or returning home from war, sees one of his flags.

About Army Sgt. Adam Keys his new "smart home": He lost both legs and his left hand as a result of an IED explosion in Afghanistan. He has already undergone more than 120 surgeries, with more to come. He said he enlisted in the Army in memory of those who were killed on 9/11 and their families. He was just at the 9/11 Memorial Site on July 4th and viewed the spot where he feels the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began.

He has not yet chosen the site for the "smart home" that The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation are partnering to build, but was one of the honored guests recently when quadruple amputee Marine Sgt. John Peck broke ground for his "smart home" in Chancellorsville, VA.

 

 

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