By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
From Virginia’s iconic slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” to the over 300-plus “LOVEworks” around the state, nowadays love can be found everywhere in Virginia.
To strengthen the love theme, the Virginia Tourism Corporation commissioned various artists to create huge signs that spell out the word LOVE. Since they are works of art, the signs are called LOVEworks. Each is made from materials or colors that directly relate to the area where they’re located. Fluvanna’s LOVE sign can be found at Pleasant Grove Park, looming large in Fluco colors.
The idea to solicit a LOVE sign started in 2019 when the county’s Economic Development Department and Parks and Recreation wanted an attraction to draw visitors to the county.
“It is known that people travel to see LOVE signs,” said Aaron Spitzer, director of Parks and Recreation. “We’ve noticed individuals are checking it out and I have been asked about it throughout the community.”
To get the project underway, Spitzer solicited the help of Girl Scout Troop 1106.
“The Fluvanna Love sign was my Girl Scout Silver award project,” said Eliza Inskeep. Silver Awards are projects done by Cadettes to help their community. Inskeep worked on all parts of the project from April to October last year, drawing the design, and ordering the materials. Spitzer advised her throughout the process and he and others from FCPR spent hours helping her cut the lumber, prepare, and pour the foundation. She put the finishing touches on the sign by sanding and painting the letters along with her family. Girl Scout Troop 1106 and her leaders came out and helped her install the sign.
“This was a group effort and I am grateful for all the help,” she said then added, “I think the Love sign is a great piece of art. I hope the public enjoys taking pictures with it. I hope to see it in prom, engagement, and family pictures. Pleasant Grove Park is awesome and I hope it brings more people to it to enjoy all the park has to offer.”
