STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Artist Scott LoBaido has installed large “THANK YOU” signs outside two of Staten Island’s hospitals to show his gratitude for everything being done to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On Saturday, the artwork was spotted along Seaview Avenue across the street from Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze. LoBaido brought an identical piece of work to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton on Monday.
“It’s amazing how effective these two big words are to our frontline heroes,” LoBaido told the Advance/SILive.com. “That’s all I have to say.”
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LoBaido added that Staten Island University Hospital’s Prince’s Bay site will receive its own “THANK YOU” sign Tuesday.
Each of the “THANK YOU” letters stands approximately 8 feet tall. A heart is in the center of the "O" in “YOU.”
“This way everybody knows this county, this city, this state, this country appreciates you more than you could ever imagine,” LoBaido said of the huge signs.
The artist has made a name for himself with his patriotic flag paintings and politically charged artwork. But he also has created art installations to show community support, including a memorial for Hurricane Sandy’s victims and a piece honoring Autism Awareness Month.
Recently, LoBaido spearheaded a protest against the rise in speed cameras on Staten Island. Volunteers gathered at sites where cameras are located to hold signs he designed.