George F. Baker III

Mural Location: 1535 Spruce St. Boulder, CO 80302 (Alley behind eTown Hall)

For the 2022 festival, George F. Baker III (aka GFB3) created a colorful, harmonious mural with a positive message that reflects his own larger-than-life personality. Inspired by eTown Hall, a recording studio and music venue in the heart of Boulder, GFB3 designed a mural that reminds others that we all play a part in creating a better world.  

The mural features three different figures - one playing the keys, one strumming the guitar, and one jamming out on the saxophone - coming together to create harmony and beautiful music. GFB3’s artistic style recalls the fantastical characters found in Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time and other adult animation shows. The scale of the mural adds to its wonder - the figures tower over the viewer at more than two times life-size. The artist also does not shy away from color, infusing the mural with bright blues, yellows, greens, pinks, and oranges. Truly a feast for the eyes! 

GFB3 started his career as a graphic designer but began painting murals about four years ago. His murals spread positivity wherever they are painted. GFB3 said about this project, “At an early age, my Mom instilled in me the fact that a simple smile at a stranger has the power to change the world for the better. A small act of kindness could unravel the fear around someone’s heart in seconds.”  

Fun fact: the robot in the lower left corner was tagged on the prepped wall a few days before the festival. Rather than cover it up, GFB3 incorporated the robot into his design, turning his frown into a smile.

About the Artist:

@gfb3

George F. Baker III, also known as GFB3, is a Nebraska-born, Detroit Grown, and Atlanta-Raised Creator. Using his instruments of design, illustration, and production, he employs a playful childlike spirit to engage the inner-child we all have. Currently, he is the Creative Director of Foster, a studio-collective striving to make people unafraid to play.