VIRGINIA BEACH — Love is finally coming to Virginia Beach.
No, no! Not that kind of love – that’s already here. LOVE, as in, a big life-sized three-dimensional sign that spells L-O-V-E.
Saturday at 11:30 a.m., at the Oceanfront Library, the city’s first contribution to the state-wide LOVEworks branding program will be unveiled.
The program is through the Virginia Tourism Corporation and is designed to promote historic life experiences in the Commonwealth and strengthen awareness of the “Virginia is for Lovers” message.
“We are excited to add an artist designed 3-dimensional sculptural artwork to the ViBe Creative District and think this Oceanfront Library location is perfect for its proximity to ViBe Park,” said Kate Pittman, executive director of the ViBe District.
After issuing a public call for artist designs via social media earlier this year, the district selected Virginia Beach resident and graphic designer Chesley De Leon.
De Leon’s vision will be fabricated by local sign experts Signs of Success.
The sign was sponsored by grants from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs.
The City of Virginia Beach authorized the installation on public property at the Oceanfront Library on the corner of 18th Street and Cypress Avenue.
De Leon said she wanted to reflect the area and the community of Virginia Beach in a simple but eye-catching way.
“As a Virginia Beach native, I wanted to reflect all aspects of the area and the community in a simple, yet eye-catching way,” she said. “I am very thankful and overjoyed to have been granted this amazing opportunity to make my mark in this vibrant place that I call home.”
In her creation the “L” has the ViBe logo and a paintbrush to represent the growing and vibrant creative district, which is also the home base for the LOVEwork.
The “O” depicts the city’s most popular attraction (and De Leon’s favorite place to be), the beach.
The “V” is a rainbow-colored peace sign that represents the city’s diverse, friendly, and easygoing atmosphere.
The “E” has the Town Center logo, which depicts The Westin and the Armada Hoffler Tower, to represent urban life.
“Virginia Beach is constantly taking steps to move forward and grow in population and popularity,” De Leon said. “This city has so much to offer so I am ecstatic that there is now a LOVEwork to solidify the fact that Virginia Beach and the rest of Virginia is indeed for lovers.”
The Oceanfront Library is at 700 Virginia Beach Blvd.
The LOVE sign will be added to a collection of more than 100 large scale LOVEworks that are installed throughout the Commonwealth. These LOVEworks spark community pride, attract tourists, and spread the message that “Virginia is for Lovers.”