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Commission on Public Art proposes townwide heart sculptures to showcase local artists
Summary
The Leesburg Commission on Public Art presented a plan to place 10 uniform heart sculptures painted by local artists at locations throughout Leesburg to promote public art, local businesses and exploration of the town; the project would be presented to Town Council after BAR and Parks & Rec review.
The Leesburg Commission on Public Art presented a proposal to the Board of Architectural Review on March 19, 2025, to launch a townwide heart-sculpture program that would place approximately 10 uniform fiberglass heart sculptures painted by local artists in locations around Leesburg.
Why it matters: The proposal seeks to promote local artists, increase public art outside the historic core and drive pedestrian traffic to a wider set of businesses and public spaces. The commission plans to seek sponsors and community involvement, and the project will proceed to Parks & Recreation and then to Town Council for final approval.
Proposal details and process
Jeanette Ward, chair of the Commission on Public Art, told the BAR the call to artists will seek roughly 10 works; each heart sculpture would be uniform in size and shape (about 38 inches by 40 inches by 18 inches), weather-resistant fiberglass and mounted securely to a base. Ward said the commission has consulted with Parks & Recreation about potential sites (for example, Georgetown was identified as a potential site) and with Kate Trass, the town’s ADA compliance aide, to avoid blocking sidewalks and ensure accessibility. The commission plans to invite sponsors to reduce project costs and to produce maps and promotional material to encourage visitors to explore multiple locations.
Timing and location
Ward said the current plan is for a two-year display period for the hearts; examples in other towns have remained longer and some works have later been auctioned. Ward said not all sculptures would be within the historic district and locations will depend on sponsor and site coordination with Parks & Recreation. The commission indicated it would return to BAR with the selected artworks and exact siting before Town Council review.
Questions and board feedback
Board members asked about siting in the historic district, ADA considerations and durability. Ward said the commission can adapt the basic form (for example, a slimmer stacked heart) if required to meet site constraints and maintain accessibility. Board members welcomed the early presentation and asked that final siting be coordinated with staff and Parks & Rec before Council review.
Quote
"We are going to be inviting sponsors and a lot of community involvement to get a lot of different types of art onto these sculptures," Jeanette Ward said, describing the commission’s outreach and sponsorship plan.
Next steps
The commission will issue a call to artists, receive submissions, review designs and return to BAR and Parks & Recreation with proposed locations and final artworks before seeking Town Council approval.
