Falls Church has unveiled a striking new public art installation featuring large steel letters spelling out "LOVE," designed to celebrate the city's diversity while promoting Virginia's iconic tourism slogan. The sculpture, officially titled "Reflection: Diversity and Inclusivity," was unveiled Wednesday morning at 300 Park Avenue near Falls Church City Hall, marking a significant addition to the commonwealth's collection of Virginia-themed art installations.
The interactive artwork consists of four distinct steel letters, with the L, V, and E featuring mirror-like surfaces that allow viewers to see themselves reflected in the sculpture. The illustrated letter O showcases watercolor designs of Falls Church's most recognizable cultural landmarks, including City Hall, Eden Center, and The State Theatre. "Don't simply view the art, become part of it," the city said in an official statement. "Your image joins a moving reflection of all who have stood here, making you an essential thread in the work of diversity and inclusivity."
The sculpture was installed in a bustling area that includes City Hall, a community center, and the grounds of the Falls Church Farmers Market. Developed in collaboration with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the project originated from a design contest open to city employees last year. Housing and Human Services Manager Ripal Patel conceived the winning concept, which was later brought to life with artistic contributions from watercolor artist Bill Abel, a former Falls Church resident who illustrated the letter O.
"What came together was what I hope is, just all the love and community that I felt when I lived here," Abel said at Wednesday morning's unveiling event. Abel, who moved away in 2020, added, "It really held me up during some hard times, but I really found that when I left here, I missed it so much." His watercolor designs specifically feature three iconic local landmarks that represent the diverse cultural fabric of the community.
The new installation joins approximately 350 other art installations across Virginia that draw inspiration from the state's famous "Virginia is for Lovers" tourism slogan. Notably, this sculpture holds the distinction of being the only LOVEwork to appear within the Capital Beltway, making it a unique attraction for both residents and visitors to the metropolitan area.
The project was funded through the city's 75th anniversary celebration budget from 2023, with a total cost of $10,000. The City Council selected the winning design in May following extensive discussions to evaluate nine qualifying submissions from the employee design contest. The selection process involved multiple rounds of deliberation to ensure the final piece would appropriately represent the community's values and aesthetic vision.
Mayor Letty Hardi emphasized the broader impact of public art on community development during the unveiling ceremony. "[Public art] sparks pride, brings people together and strengthens our local economy," Hardi stated. "Every selfie, every visit and every moment shared here tells the story of a small city with a big heart." The mayor's comments highlight the city's strategy of using public art as both a community-building tool and an economic development initiative that can attract visitors and boost local tourism.
