A Staten Island artist is showing former President Ronald Reagan around New York for the next few weeks.
Scott LoBaido installed a giant Reagan mural on the side of a building on a busy Staten Island street this week, in hopes of revitalizing some of his Cold War strategies and ideas.
“Reagan created the patriotic beast in me over 20 years ago,” LoBaido told DNAinfo.com. “I want the viewer to remember the days when we were all proud and felt strong and free with little fear, knowing that our leader was there to lead.”
The print depicts the former president in a white T-shirt that reads, “Dear God, Let Me Go Back For Just A Day.” LoBaido created the digital collage by pasting images of Reagan on top of a flag painting. He then printed the banner, $400, and painted a tattoo on the arm, reports DNAinfo.com.
“[Vladimir] Putin and Kim Jong-un would be wearing diapers if Reagan were here for just a day,” LoBaido told DNAinfo.com.
It will remain in Staten Island for a week, then in Queens Boulevard. LoBaido plans to display it in various spots around the city.
The building’s real estate agent, Daniel Hall, told DNAinfo.com he likes it and it sparks a sense of pride in America. “Things are just kind of crazy right now and America needs to get a hold on itself,” said Hall.