Scott LoBaido is painting a 9-by-17-foot oil-on-canvas American flag at the Made in America Pavilion during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. The American flag painting is being created live at the pavilion as part of America 250 events and, the artist says, may be the largest oil-on-canvas flag he has made.
LoBaido describes the work as an Old Glory portrait meant for broad public display rather than a political statement. He says he will add final touches on Independence Day and expects an emotional unveiling for fair attendees.
American flag painting
The canvas measures roughly 9 feet by 17 feet and is rendered in oil on canvas at a public pavilion inside the fairgrounds. LoBaido told Fox News Digital the size and live setting set this project apart from previous flags he has painted, and that working in public is intended to let people watch the process up close.
He has told reporters he believes the work “may be the largest oil-on-canvas American flag ever created,” calling it his most detailed large-scale oil painting of Old Glory. That assessment is the artist’s own; it was reported as his claim in coverage by Fox News Digital and has not been independently verified.
Artist claims and intent
LoBaido has emphasized that the painting is apolitical. He said the American flag “does not belong to any particular party” and framed the piece as for everyone. The artist, based in Staten Island, has said he donates a portion of proceeds from his work to charity and that some sales in the past have supported causes he favors.
In describing the project, LoBaido stressed the live, public setting and the flag’s scale as a unifying visual statement during the nation’s 250th birthday events. Those explanations reflect the artist’s stated intent.
When and where it will be unveiled
Organizers and LoBaido have indicated he plans to finish the painting on Independence Day. He has suggested the final touches will coincide with an emotional reveal and possibly a short statement to the crowd. The painting is open to public view at the Made in America Pavilion inside the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and fairgoers have been watching sections of it take shape over several days.
Debate over symbolism and public reaction
LoBaido acknowledged that some people perceive the flag differently depending on politics. He told Fox News Digital that “some on the left run away from the flag because they think it’s a MAGA symbol,” and he pushed back, arguing the flag represents rights that protect protest and free expression.
Those comments reflect a wider public debate over national symbols and political meaning. Observers at the fair reported mixed reactions: some spectators praised the scale and level of detail, while others said the artist’s political profile factored into how they interpreted the work. Reporting describes these reactions as on-the-ground observations rather than comprehensive public polling of views.
Interest, possible destinations and what comes next
LoBaido said he has received interest in the painting and floated the idea that it could be displayed in prominent locations, including the White House ballroom. He also noted that former President Trump owns several of his paintings. Those are the artist’s statements; any formal offer or placement would need separate confirmation from potential hosts.
Future plans for the 9-by-17-foot flag — whether it will be sold, donated, or loaned for display — were described by LoBaido as possibilities rather than completed arrangements. He has said part of proceeds from his work go to charity, but specific sale or donation agreements for this piece have not been announced publicly.
Source attribution and verification
This article is based on reporting by Fox News Digital. Claims about the painting’s size, interest from potential buyers, and suggested display venues are reported as the artist’s statements and have not been independently verified by The Nonstop News.
Source: Fox News Digital. For ongoing coverage and related updates, see the Fox News Latest News page.
Why it matters
Public artworks tied to national milestones often spur discussion about identity, history and civic life. This live, large-format American flag painting is part of larger 250th anniversary programming and highlights how art placed in public settings can prompt both celebration and debate.
FAQ
Is this the largest oil on canvas American flag ever made?
LoBaido said he believes the 9-by-17-foot oil-on-canvas flag may be the largest of its kind. That claim is the artist’s assessment and was not independently confirmed in the reporting.
Where and when can the public see the painting?
The painting is being created at the Made in America Pavilion during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., with finishing touches scheduled for Independence Day. Members of the public have been able to view the work while it was being painted live at the fair.
Will the painting be sold or go to the White House?
LoBaido said he has received interest in the painting and suggested the White House ballroom as one possible destination. Those statements are the artist’s; no confirmed sale or placement has been announced.
