The Leesburg Arts Commission heard a range of public-art proposals at its most recent meeting and directed staff to include projects in the commission’s upcoming budget submission.

Commission member 3 presented three initiatives: a kaleidoscope-style interactive sculpture with movable panels and reflective elements, butterfly-wing photo installations for Foxridge Park and a town mural that would celebrate local architecture and history. "They're interactive and experiential," Member 3 said of the kaleidoscope pieces, adding that similar projects have succeeded in other towns.

Member 1 described several complementary ideas — a floating-color walk of suspended umbrellas to animate alleys, rotating digital projections for downtown walls (which would avoid needing a permanent mural site) and a bench-activation program in which plaques and QR codes would deliver stories, student poetry or songs to visitors.

Member 2 proposed lower-cost experiential installations to expand access: steel tongue drums placed in public spaces and a decorative, functioning phone booth to provide a photo opportunity and an intergenerational learning moment.

Commission members discussed feasibility and likely costs. Member 1 said the butterfly installation "would not cost more than 2,500" as an initial estimate, while also noting the commission can pursue sponsorships for several projects. The group agreed many of the ideas could be executed within existing budgets or with sponsorships, but that clearer estimates are needed.

Member 5 relayed a near-term deadline for budgeting: "staff has to turn in all the budget requests by December 12," and the commission agreed to consolidate project descriptions and cost estimates for that staff deadline. The commission plans to review a compiled budget at its next meeting and vote on any requests then.