Inclusivity in Action
We are a vibrant, art-driven program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Virginia Queer Collective, dedicated to fostering inclusive community through innovative public art projects and advocacy. Our mission is to unleash kindness and empower LGBTQ+ voices across Northern Virginia.
The NOVA Kindness Project is led by the creator of the Leesburg Kindness Garden, who lends her decades of artistic talent and backgrounds. Alongside a community of local artists with mixed media experience, they plan to build a more beautiful tomorrow, made possible with visibility, pride, and kindness.
Leesburg Crosswalk Repainting
July 24 | 9-12 PM
The Leesburg Pride Crosswalk was started as a collaboration with the Town of Leesburg (VA), led by the Loudoun Pride Foundation, and in coordination with other local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Located at the intersection of Harrison Street and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in the vibrant downtown area, adjacent to the art sculpture Raflo Park and the LoveWORKS sign, this seemed like a natural fit of the natural beauty of the nearby Town Branch and the artistic neighborhood. The Crosswalk is refreshed annually each year and is funded by donations to the NOVA Kindness Project.
This Crosswalk will be repainted on the morning of July 24 from 9 am - 12 pm. The public is invited to observe, but the painting will be performed by our team of artists and volunteers.
Pictured: A crosswalk runs across a divided street bearing vivid rainbow colored rectangles between the white bars, symbolizing inclusion of all people. It starts with brown to signify people of all races and ends with the blue and pink of the transgender flag.
Events
Paint & Sip Night
August | 3-6 PM | Williams Gap Vineyard
Whether you're a seasoned artist or haven't picked up a paint brush in years, this event is for you! Simply choose one of two beautiful ornament designs, and we'll guide you through creating a keepsake you'll be proud to take home!!
You can join in person at Williams Gap Vineyard in Round Hill Vineyard for $45, which include a sunflower of seahorse ornament, supplies to paint, and a wine flight. Or your can purchase a $25 take home kit to enjoy these hand-crafted ornaments at home. The event will be held from 3-6 pm on August 1st at 35521 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill, VA 20141.
Pictured: A crosswalk runs across a divided street bearing vivid rainbow colored rectangles between the white bars, symbolizing inclusion of all people. It starts with brown to signify people of all races and ends with the blue and pink of the transgender flag.
Community Impact
Local Pride
Our murals are transformed public spaces into vibrant hubs of LGBTQ+ visibility and local pride.
Community Visibility
We use art as a tool for bringing together diverse voices to foster deeper community connections.
Kindness Reimagined
Every project is a step toward a more inclusive future, where kindness is the primary language of our city.
Pictured: Five brightly painted rocks with various designs sit in a bed of brown mulch against the reddish rocks and beige concrete wall of the Loudoun History Museum.
NOVA Kindness Rocks
The NOVA Kindness Rocks was a project created at the Loudoun Pride Festival wherein attendees could select pre-painted rocks from a mobile garden with a custom-painted LOVE sign, adjoined with magical mushroom statues and a wishing tree. Attendees were led in decorating rocks with messages of positivity and kindness. These rocks were later transported to the Loudoun History Museum where, in partnership with their team, visitors could take home a rock to beautify neighborhoods, streets, and schools.
This project was designed and executed by Margie Hunter (Leesburg, VA). The NOVA Kindness Rocks were painted by hundreds of attendees, with many of them completed by the original Leesburg Kindness Garden artist, Margie. Her remarkable flair for whimsical designs is iconic and has delighted visitors for years to her local garden where she featured custom-painted lending libraries, a pet memorial bridge, crafts for children, and so much more.
Pictured: A large LOVE sign with a beautiful rainbow mural is sitting on a red brick crosswalk in historic downtown Leesburg on the First Friday event, surrounded by shoppers and passerbys.
Loudoun LOVE Works Sign
The Loudoun LOVE Works Sign is a beautiful mural of the beautiful sights of Loudoun County painted across large pine wood letters spelling LOVE. This beautiful work of art measure 8 feet long and four feet high. It has since been enhanced with a mobile base to allow for easy transportation as it's used across Loudoun at different events and venues from the annual Loudoun Pride Festival to Leesburg's First Fridays.
This mural was designed and executed by Kim Porciau Kim (Leesburg, VA). The mural depicts the iconic history of aviation, the iconic Leesburg Gazebo, and the Loudoun County Courthouse on the L. The O depicts a bicycle leaning against a brick wall symbolizing the nature of Loudoun's many small towns. The V is covered in flowers representing the annual Flower and Garden Festival as well as the region's agricultural heritage. And the E is adorned with scenes of wine, beer, and picnics that detail the rich rural traditions of brewing and winemaking.
Leesburg Pride Crosswalk
The Leesburg Pride Crosswalk was started as a collaboration with the Town of Leesburg (VA), the Loudoun Pride Foundation, and other local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Located at the intersection of Harrison Street and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in the vibrant downtown area, adjacent to the art sculpture Raflo Park and the LoveWORKS sign, this seemed like a natural fit of the natural beauty of the nearby Town Branch and the artistic neighborhood. The Crosswalk is refreshed annually each year and is funded by donations to the NOVA Kindness Project.
This project was designed and executed by Candice Tuck (Leesburg, VA) with assistance from local volunteers. Her vision was to use vivid colors representing the LGBTQ+ community, with a special focus on starting the crosswalk recognizing the hardships of people of color signified by the brown stripe and the transgender community as signified by the light blue and pink stripes.
Pictured: A crosswalk runs across a divided street bearing vivid rainbow colored rectangles between the white bars, symbolizing inclusion of all people. It starts with brown to signify people of all races and ends with the blue and pink of the transgender flag.