SAFFORD — A bit of graffiti was spotted on the north wall of Retrograde Brew and BBQ. Instead of cleaning it, the restaurant’s owners opted to add more art to Downtown Safford.
On Saturday, Eric Baietti painted over the vandalism with the word “kewl.”
“There was some inappropriate graffiti right here, you know, just little kids messing around, and he wanted it covered it. So he just kind of gave me artistic freedom,” Baietti said.
The new piece, along with the Retrograde logo Baietti panted earlier in the week, added two more art pieces next to the work that started Safford Downtown’s art renaissance — the Richard’s Music cactus guitar painted by Brandt Woods in 2021. Plus Baietti created an art piece for the fenced-in patio of Retrograde.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Baietti is the outreach pastor for The River Church and assists with homeless outreach for Gila Valley Samaritan Home, but he continues to create art in his spare time and is looking to do more mural work in the Gila Valley.
He said he can be contacted through social media or the church.
Another mural could be happening soon. During Monday’s meeting, the Safford City Council will consider contracting for a mural on the north side of the Safford City-Graham County Library main branch building, facing 8th Street.
If the council decides to go forward with a mural, the city would have available up to $40,000 originally allocated for new library signage’ however, it’s estimated a 628-square-foot mural would cost $19,000-$25,000.
The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday in the library’s programming room.
