LEESBURG — Clouds threatened but failed to put a damper on the 2025 Rotary Leesburg Art Festival on March 9-10, 2025.
The recently renamed festival, organized by the Leesburg Center for the Arts staff and volunteers, displayed a variety of media and a different look: The booths were all located at and around the Leesburg Towne Square by Leesburg City Hall rather than down Main Street.
“The move to Towne Square worked well for us, especially with the reduced number of artists,” Richard Colvin, the arts center’s executive director, told the Daily Commercial.
On Saturday, cool breezes made socializing and the big sound of the LC Swing Band even more enjoyable.
“We had good weather and attendance,” Colvin acknowledged in his signature laid-back manner.
The city’s arts leader assured us that Leesburg Center for the Arts’ board members and staff are happy with the festival’s outcomes, conceding that the timing of the event did present challenges.
“There were many competing festivals this last weekend, and with the explosive growth of festivals of all kinds, that’s not going to change.”
What was apparent to us on our visit? The fest noticeably boosted downtown commerce. Art fest attendees ventured beyond the Towne Square into local shops such as Grandpa Joe’s, dining at local eateries like Brick & Barrel, and grabbing a coffee or smoothie at VanderBrew Coffee.
“We absolutely noticed an uptick in sales,” Michael Huey said. Huey co-owns Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe and VanderBrew Coffee and emphasized that both locations experienced more business than usual during the art festival.
Judging by the spillover, interest in art exhibits, music, theater and other arts programming might be the extra sauce the community needs to draw more foot traffic downtown.
“We hope to continue to grow support, which will drive more advertising and lead to increased viewership,” Colvin said of the arts center.
Colvin, by the way, brings a multifaceted appreciation for the arts and grassroots connection to locals to the job. He’s a painter teacher, seasoned administrator with experience leading museums and arts organizations, and he’s even rocked an electric guitar in a central Florida band.
Improvements that Colvin helped shepherd include increased sponsorship/support, particularly from Leesburg’s Rotary clubs (Rotary Club of Leesburg and the Sunrise chapter), the city and United Arts of Central Florida and local businesses.
“The 2025 Rotary Leesburg Arts Festival was a fantastic celebration of creativity and community,” Leesburg Mayor Alan Reisman told the Daily Commercial.
Daily Commercial also bumped in the LCA’s assistant director, Claire Simpson, at VanderBrew Coffee.
Simpson said she was looking forward to the facility’s upcoming move to the Tropic Theater on Main Street. The city recently purchased the building with a deep past downtown.
Director Colvin told the Daily Commercial the move should take place late this year or early next year.
Simpson was optimistic about the exposure the Tropic would offer. (Coincidentally, we could see the Tropic behind her through the coffee shop window.)
“The Tropic offers historical importance,” she noted.
“Next year will be another adventure,” was all Colvin said when asked about what to expect at the 2026 fest.
For now, Mayor Reisman is upbeat about the success of this year’s fest:
“It was inspiring to see our streets come alive with incredible art, music, and performances, showcasing the amazing talent of local and regional artists. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and sponsors. … Your enthusiasm and participation continue to make our city a vibrant cultural destination. I look forward to seeing you all again next year!”
No Comment! Be the first one.