Artist Scott LoBaido to Paint American Flag in Martinsville

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 Martinsville, VA.

LoBaido will begin painting his trademark creation on Wednesday, March 28 best time for media to arrive would be about 1 p.m. as a thank you to Marine Cpl. Josh "JB" Kerns for his military service. The building chosen to display LoBaido's artistry is the Black Box Theatre, 44 Franklin St. in Martinsville. The dimensions of the finished flag will be 38'w x 18'h.

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 Martinsville to thank Kerns for his service, and all the people who are supporting efforts to build Kerns a "smart home," by purchasing a ticket to the Lt. Dan Band Concert. Kerns, a local hero, lost three limbs in an IED explosion during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.

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 Kerns 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 Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at Martinsville High School.

Says Frank Siller, chairman of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, "We can't thank the City of Martinsville enough for giving its approval to Scott in such a timely way. We also want to offer our sincere appreciation to Dr. Mervyn King and his wife Virginia, for allowing Scott the opportunity to honor their building with an American flag."

Where/when to see LoBaido paint his American flag:
Side wall of Black Box Theatre, 44 Franklin St, Martinsville, beginning on Wednesday, March 28. Best time for media about 1 p.m.

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

To see why one national network newscast named LoBaido its "Person of the Week": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9pZjgtFSLI

To purchase a ticket to the Gary Sinise Lt. Dan Band Concert:
When: Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m.
Where: Martinsville High School, Martinsville VA. Seating capacity 1700-plus.
Buy a ticket: Tickets are $25 and are being sold through the Piedmont Arts Association in Martinsville VA. Buyers can either purchase their seats online by going to www.piedmontarts.org or by calling (276) 632-3221.

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 to 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 Marine Cpl. Josh "JB" Kerns and his new "smart home":
*He lost both legs and his right arm as a result of an IED explosion during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.
*He is currently receiving physical rehabilitation therapy in Bethesda, MD.
*He has chosen a log cabin with a wraparound porch on the Ararat River for the "smart home" that The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation are partnering to build. The property for the home has already been purchased.