A celebration of art will take over downtown Leesburg during the second weekend of March with the 48th annual Leesburg Art Festival and the ninth annual Literary Arts Festival.
The two-day dual event will bring more than 25 artists who will showcase their work in a variety of mediums and up to 10 self-published writers who will discuss their books 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 and 9 at Leesburg’s Towne Square, 510 W. Main St., Leesburg.
The Leesburg Art Festival will be hosted by the Leesburg Center for the Arts. It is being held in conjunction with the art festival and is hosted by the Leesburg Public Library.
Richard D. Colvin, executive director of the Leesburg Center for the Arts, said those in attendance will be impressed with the technical skill of the art festival’s featured artist, Nick Alexiades, who uses pencils to produce detailed drawings on stone.
“It’s realistic and engaging to the public, Colvin said. One of Alexiades’ rock sketches is the featured artwork on this year’s festival flyers.
“It’s realistic and engaging to the public,” Colvin said. It talks about commonality between all living things, Colvin said. “In this piece, we are joined by the necessity of water.”
Colvin said the message behind Alexiades’ artwork relates to the importance of an art festival to a community.
“Culture and art is important in all forms,” he said. “Art is an unusual thing that comes with the possibility of achievements and improvements to give you a better life. Art also is an amazing way to bring community together.”
Moving from painted pictures to printed words, the Literary Arts Festival will be held in the Town Square side by side with the art festival.
Among the authors scheduled to share their work at the Literary Arts Festival are Ashleigh Shinn, who wrote the thriller, “Ellowyn Lost;” poet Jennifer Dracos-Tice, who wrote “Lodged in the Belly” and Ron Wilcox, who wrote his memoir, “Rescue Attempt: A Retired Lawman’s Fight For Survival.”
“This is a mutually beneficial opportunity for the authors and the community, said Robert Voyles, program coordinator for the Leesburg Library.
“Authors can use this as a networking opportunity and readers get to meet local writers.”
The celebration of the arts will include, including music, food and activities for children.
During both days of the art and literary arts festivals, there will be a variety of food trucks, including Crepe Crazy, Anabellas Sweet and Treats and more.
The art festival, hosted by the Leesburg Center for the Arts, is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Leesburg and the Sunrise Rotary.T he Leesburg Public Library is partnering with the City of Leesburg and Leesburg Center for the Arts to bring the literary art event to the city.
For more information about the art festival, visit leesburgarts.com/art-festival or call 352-265-0232. For more information about the literary art festival, visit mylakelibrary.org or call (352) 728-9790.
Meanwhile, the library will also host the Lake County Legends Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon, giving those with a passion for history can share their hobby
with the public.
Lake County residents and historians are asked to help preserve history by bringing in old photos, stories or memorabilia that details the story of the county and
legendary people who have lived here.
The local history crowdsourcing event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. on March 8 at the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Leesburg.
People with an interest in history will be given a basic training class for Wikipedia editing and access to old newspapers and other records archived at the library.
“This is perfect for anyone who is passionate about preserving history,” Voyles said. “This is a good learning experience and a way to contribute to the community.”
Voyles said the goal of the event is to enhance and update already existing Wikipedia pages focused on local legends who have had regional or national impact.
Voyles said Virgil Hawkins, civil rights hero born in Okahumpka in 1906, was a great example of a local legend who has an already existing Wikipedia page.
Those who come to the event are encouraged to bring their own laptops, or they can use a library computer. Those who bring photos or historical records from home can scan the material to digitize and preserve their documents.
There will also be snacks and drinks at the event. Registration for the library event is required and can be done at mylakelibrary.org or call 352- 728-9790.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
