Commission on Public Art previews plan for 10 townwide heart sculptures in Leesburg

The Commission on Public Art presented its concept for a townwide series of painted heart sculptures to the Leesburg Board of Architectural Review on March 19, 2025. The commission said it will run a call to artists for 10 uniform fiberglass heart sculptures, each painted differently, to be placed strategically around town for public display and promotion.

The project, presented by a Commission on Public Art representative and Tara Flynn, is intended to highlight local artists, encourage visitors to explore parts of Leesburg beyond the historic district and support local businesses through increased foot traffic. "Our plan is to put out a call to artists for 10 unique or 10 different artists to paint a heart sculpture to be placed strategically around town of Leesburg," the Commission on Public Art representative said.

Why it matters: The commission said the installations are intended as a temporary, community-driven public-art program that can tie into tourism and local business promotion. The group described outreach and sponsorship plans and said it will coordinate with Parks and Recreation and the town's accessibility staff to choose appropriate locations.

Board members asked about siting in the Historic District and accessibility. Julie Pastor, parliamentarian, asked whether any sites in the Historic District had been identified; the presenters said Parks and Recreation had suggested Georgetown as a likely site but that final locations will depend on guidance from Kate Trass, the town staff member handling ADA compliance, and on potential business sponsors. The commission said the sculptures will be weather-resistant fiberglass approximately 38 inches by 40 inches by 18 inches deep, mounted to a secure base, and they plan for an initial two-year display period. "Right now we're just looking at a 2 year plan that they would be in place," the Commission on Public Art representative said.

Board members encouraged early consultation about placement near historic structures and sidewalks. Tom O'Neil, chairman (participating remotely), and other board members said they appreciated the early presentation and suggested the commission return with final locations, artist-call language and samples before the project goes to Town Council for final approval.

Next steps: The presenters said they will circulate a call to artists, coordinate review with Parks and Recreation and town staff, and return to the BAR with proposed locations and artwork prior to the Town Council review in April.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the transcript and appear on the record before the BAR. The Commission on Public Art representatives and Tara Flynn said they will supply final designs and site proposals before council review.