Creating Art for Valentine’s Day

Teddie Frock, staff writer

On Valentine’s Day, local artist Patricia Leavitt provided time and space in the Dickinson Art Building for students and faculty to create a valentine to express their love in an artistic way. At the back hall of the Dickinson Arts Building, Leavitt appeared with a multitude of art supplies ready to be transformed into an expression of love.

There were three large tables, filled with color texture, paper, paint, glitter, and other art mediums. Throughout the year, Leavitt collects supplies that any budding and willing artist could use to create a personal and unique valentine for their loved ones. The art project was available to anyone interested.

Through active interaction, Leavitt encouraged the artists to search through all the mediums and choose what spoke to them. The space was warm, inviting, and fun for all who participated.

During the creation of the art, there was space for conversation and verbal expression of thoughts. After finishing, everyone left with a creative and unexpected gift.

Leavitt presents the Valentine workshops yearly at various venues in the community.  She considers this to be a calling.

“It is an expression of love for me to do this for the community and provide time and space for a creative, permissive activity,” Leavitt said. She encourages everyone to think about expressing their love in more than just a traditional sense.

Next year she is sure to be found somewhere around Charlottesville, expressing love with art and inviting you to come and enjoy the experience.