Town of Leesburg, Virginia
Home MenuHome Popular Searches
COPA Events and Projects
Support Public Art in Leesburg
To support public art in Leesburg, visit the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) webpage.
Important Documents
Public Art Guidelines
The Public Art Guidelines identify goals to promote opportunities for creating exciting and attractive public spaces that are used and enjoyed by Town residents, workers and visitors. View the Town of Leesburg's Public Art Guidelines.
Vision for Public Art
The Vision for Public Art was developed to provide the information and strategies necessary to integrate public art into the Town’s planning and development objectives. The value of public art is realized by increased tourism, attraction of new businesses and enjoyment of public spaces by residents and visitors alike. View the Town of Leesburg's Vision for Public Art.
Photo Release Form
The Town of Leesburg may ask you to complete this release form so we can use your likeness in connection with the Town's activities and programs. Please contact us if you have any questions. Download the photo release form.
Future Public Art Projects
Public Art in Leesburg
Art in Your Yard
The Town of Leesburg’s Commission on Public Art (COPA) invites residents and artists to participate in this year’s “Art in Your Yard” event on Sunday, September 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Click here for a map of locations.
Free Little Art Gallery at Raflo Park
A ribbon cutting was held on Monday, April 28 to celebrate the installation of a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) at Raflo Park. Like a Little Free Library for books, a Free Little Art Gallery encourages people to create and share art within a local community. The library can include miniature paintings, sculptures, crafts, and poetry. The gallery is accessible to everyone and encourages creativity and community engagement.
Banner Project
In May 2025, the Town installed a new series of vibrant banners throughout its Arts and Cultural District, celebrating the creativity and talent of local artists. In February, the Commission on Public Art (COPA), in partnership with Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA), issued a “Call to Artists” to create 14 original designs to replace the existing banners, which have adorned the district since 2021. The previous banners featured the district’s logo, while the new collection brings a fresh wave of artistic expression to the streets of downtown Leesburg. The selected designs, submitted by local artists, include full-color photographs, paintings, and drawings that highlight the beauty, history, and spirit of Leesburg. Each piece reflects the unique perspectives and styles of the artists, bringing a dynamic and engaging visual experience to the community.
Georgetown Park Sculpture
In June 2024, the Leesburg Town Council approved a new sculpture to be installed at Georgetown Park. “Love Will Always Grow Here” was created by local artist Alyssa Imes Welti. It references the nature and wildlife of Virginia, and features both the state Dogwood and Cardinal. The title of the sculpture reflects the idea of growth and love, which mirrors, “Virginia is for Lovers”. Installation was completed in March 2025.
"Welcome to Leesburg" Selfie Mural at Leesburg Premium Outlets
The artwork, created by Leilani Romero, depicts the iconic walk down King Street, accompanied by a cup of coffee, man’s best friend, local shops, and architecture. State identifiers include the Virginia Cardinal, American Dogwood, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. Cherry Blossoms pay homage to the east while an archway that reads, “Leesburg, Virginia” will provide for a colorful selfie photo-opportunity.
This is the second mural to be completed pursuant to the Leesburg Private Property Mural Program, which allows the Town to rent an appropriate exterior wall from a participating property owner for the installation of a mural. The project was fully funded by Leesburg Premium Outlets, which was selected for the location.
Town Shop Mural
The Town of Leesburg Department of Public Works, in conjunction with the Commission on Public Art and Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, issued a Call to Artists in September 2022 for a mural to be painted on the exterior wall of a garage building at the town shop, located at 1393 Russell Branch Parkway, in Leesburg. Artwork submitted by local artist Danielle Ferrin was selected, which depicted the many roles of the Department of Public Works. On November 29, 2022, the Leesburg Town Council approved the installation of the mural, which was recently completed in April 2023. The entire project has been funded by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts.
Lassiter Way Mural
In April 2021, the Commission on Public Art (COPA) issued a “Call for Artists” to provide artwork for three alley niches along the Town Hall Parking Garage facing Lassiter Way. The initial niche mural, a vision provided by the late Gale Waldron and gifted to the Town of Leesburg through the generosity of Gale and Gerry Waldron, was installed in 2018. This most recent “Call to Artists” suggested that mural submissions depict historical annotations, street scenes and buildings, as well as identifiable imagery that viewers could recognize as relating to the Town of Leesburg. Following the recommendations of a three-member advisory panel, COPA chose local artist Kim P. Kim’s art submission, which depicts Nelson “Mutt” Lassiter, Vinton Liddell Pickens, and Marie Medley-Howard, who were all notable figures in the Town of Leesburg. The project has been fully funded through Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA).
South King Street Bridge
In 2017, the Commission on Public Art (COPA) issued a Call for Artists to provide artwork for a historically themed mural for both sides of the South King Street bridge, which is adjacent to Georgetown Park. Following the recommendations of a five-member advisory panel, COPA chose local artist Kaeley Boyle’s art submission, which depicted a train theme in a nod to the W&OD Railroad that formerly ran through the site. The mural is now complete and has been fully funded through the Knutson Companies and the nonprofit Friends of Leesburg Public Art (FOLPA).
Stanley Caulkins Sculpture
A privately funded sculpture installed in downtown Leesburg in August 2019.
Skatepark Sculpture
Sculpture by Jeff Hall installed in October 2019.
ArtsPARKs in Raflo Park
The Leesburg Commission on Public Arts (COPA) and the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) are excited to announce that the 2024 ArtsPARKs installation is complete. Five new sculptures, created by local artists, have been installed along the trail in Raflo Park. They will remain on display through June 2026. The sculptures, artists, and sponsors are as follows:
- Keeping Watch (Spot #1), by Jim Koenig and sponsored by Oak Hill Wealth Advisors
- Tangled Up in Blue (Spot #2), by Sally Myers and sponsored by Oak Hill Wealth Advisors
- Tondos Pierced (Spot #3), by Creative Metal Design and sponsored by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts
- Ode to Clay and Metal Loft (Spot #4), by CML and CIY Potters and sponsored by Keene Enterprises, Inc.
- Purgatory (Spot #5), by ml Duffy and sponsored by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts
LOVEwork Sculpture
Part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s state-wide LOVEworks program, the new LOVEwork sculpture spells out the word “LOVE” in seven-foot-high letters made of used bicycle parts and steel channel. The sculpture is installed permanently on Harrison Street, SE across from Raflo Park and just south of the W&OD Trail. Created by Loudoun sculptor Mike Clay, the LOVEwork is the result of a collaboration between the Leesburg Commission on Public Art (COPA) and the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA) and was funded in part by a $1,500 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Many thanks also to the following for donations of bike parts, professional expertise and/or cash donations: Plum Grove Cyclery, Leesburg Acquisition Partners LLC, Lansdowne Development Corporation, American Stripping Company, Leesburg Junction, Very Virginia Shop, O’Neil Architects, Mike Stansbury, PE, Bowman Consulting Group, Broad Run Excavating, Velo Classique, Lincoln Smithy, Beth Erickson, O’Shaunessy-Hurst Foundation, The Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Visit Loudoun.yard
Bike Mural in Town Garage
Local high school students and other community members painted the mural, which was designed and donated by Kevin Dunn, local artist and former COPA member.
"Flourish and Growth" Mural
Dedicated in October 2021, this floral mural features the words “Flourish” and "Growth". It fills the north and west-facing wall on the town shop in the Liberty Street parking lot, located at 204 Liberty Street, and was created by Sagetopia owner Sung Hee Kim and a number of volunteers.
Harrison Street Mural
Dedicated in October 2021, this mural represents Leesburg’s every day. Musical notes represent the live performers heard while walking downtown on a weekend, while a whimsical egg in a skillet honors the chefs and wait staff of the town’s many restaurants. It was created by local artist James Garofalo.
Fiscal Year 2026 Creative Communities Grant
In March 2025, the Town applied for the $4,500 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. We will share the final award totals as soon as we receive confirmation from the commission. The Town will match the grant at $5,500 for a total of $10,000. This money will be dispersed to the following non-profit organizations:
- Arts for All Loudoun
- Friends of Leesburg Public Arts (FOLPA)
- The Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company
- Loudoun Chorale
- Loudoun Community Band
"TourLeesburg" App
The Town’s self-guided walking tour app, “TourLeesburg” now features public art.
Viewers may follow along as they are guided from site to site or can choose to turn on the GeoAlerts feature, which will alert them to when they are near a site included on the tour. Photos, maps, images, and audio narration are offered for each site. The free app is available in the App Store and Google Play. The web-based tour is available at https://townleesburg.stqry.app.
Virtual Art Tour Facebook Videos:
- Bike Mural
- LOVEwork Sculpture
- Stanley Caulkins Sculpture
- Eric Brown Skate Plaza Sculpture
- Discover the Charm Art Mural
- Gale Waldron Art Mural (Part 1)
- ArtsPARKs
- Gale Waldron Art Mural (Part 2)
Art Exhibits on Town Property
Leesburg Town Exhibit Hall, 1st Floor
Current Exhibit
The Leesburg Commission on Public Art (COPA) is pleased to announce a new art display currently available for viewing on the first floor of Leesburg Town Hall (25 West Market Street). Roger Lancaster is showcasing over 70 portraits, featuring a vibrant mix of spring houses, florals, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. The exhibit will run through the end of August 2025 and can be viewed in person Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coming Soon
For more information about showing your art, please email Leah Kosin, COPA staff liaison, at lkosin@leesburgva.gov and review the following:
- Leesburg Town Hall Art Exhibit - Expectations
- Leesburg Town Hall Art Exhibit - Loan Agreement
- Leesburg Town Hall Art Exhibit - Timeline
Leesburg Town Hall Art Exhibit, Main Lobby
Rotating artwork by Loudoun County Public School students.
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library offers in-library exhibits that may be viewed during library hours. View the events at the library.
