Need a fun activity to show your love? In Virginia, businesses, organizations and citizens show LOVE year round with one of a kind LOVEworks, large public art installations that spell out the L-O-V-E in capital letters.
Often, LOVEworks are designed specifically with a historical or cultural theme based on their location, background, or particular organization. The slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” is represented through these signs across the Commonwealth.
Luckily, Richmonders don’t have to go too far to find LOVE. Snapping a selfie to document yourself with the special people or pets in your life is a way to chronicle your affection.
1. LOVEWorks at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden:
(1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA, 23228) was created by the Garden staff to welcome guests to the garden.
The sign has a beehive to highlight the importance of pollinators and an Earth to represent the Garden’s work as a steward of our planet and the love for one another. Thoughtfully designed, both a wooden planter and recycled garden tools were used in this unique LOVEwork.
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LOVEworks sign at Lakeside Market. Photo credit: Lakeside Market / Facebook
2. LOVEWorks at Lakeside Market:
(6110 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA) brings spring to life with vivid colors, fruits and bikes, representing the farmers market produce, and its patrons, many of whom travel there by bike.
The popular farmers market is opens year round. You can find the sign on the fence line by the bicycle racks.
LOVEworks mural at Reservoir Distillery. Photo credit: Reservoir Distillery / Facebook
3. LOVEworks at Reservoir Distillery:
(1800 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA) was the first LOVEwork in Richmond, and celebrates 50 years of the LOVE campaign and the 10 year anniversary of Reservoir.
The vibrant mural was commissioned by local artist Ed Trask who was inspired by Scott’s Addition and the “emblematic creative renaissance happening throughout the city”.
LOVEworks sign at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
4. LOVEworks at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College:
(1651 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA): is made of various construction materials and bears the National Association of Women of Construction (NAWIC) logo.
The unique LOVEwork was built by the NAWIC to recognize women in the construction field and bring attention to the J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College construction, engineering and workforce development programs.
LOVEworks sign at the Regency Square Mall. Photo credit: Regency Square Mall / Facebook
5. LOVEworks at Regency Square Mall:
(1420 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA) was created in celebration of the mall’s 40th anniversary in October 2015. Members of the community and Art on Wheels made the 16 feet long and 18 feet high sign.
The L-O-V-E letters were then colored using tricycles equipped with paint dispensers.
6. Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum
(880 W Roslyn Rd., Colonial Heights, VA 23834): is further afield from Richmond, but a must see, especially for vehicle enthusiasts. The L-O-V-E letters in front of the museum represent the theme of the museum.
Letters are made from oil barrels, steel engine parts, a tire, and exhaust mufflers.
Unique LOVEworks displayed in our area provide another way for both locals and tourists to learn more about our region.
LOVEworks visitors are encouraged to take pictures in front of signs and share them on Facebook at Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers and on Instagram, tagging @VisitVirginia and the hashtags #LOVEVA. Find more LOVEworks to add to your bucket list by using this map.
Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor
Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!
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