Newest LOVEwork announced in Martinsville-Henry County

The Martinsville-Henry County EDC’s Tourism Division unveiled the community’s first life-sized LOVE letters artwork today at the Smith River Sports Complex.

“The Smith River Sports Complex is proud to be the home of the new LOVE letters”, said Lloyd Barber, Executive Director, Smith River Sports Complex. “We are a natural fit with over 45,000 visitors to the Sports Complex annually. It is the perfect setting for the placement of the LOVEwork with our close proximity to the scenic Smith River and the visibility and convenience from the bypass. Having the LOVEwork at the Smith River Sports Complex will highlight the vitality of our community.”

Created as part of a state and local partnership to promote travel and tourism, the artwork is an extension of the 50-year-old "Virginia is for Lovers" brand, and one of more than 130 giant LOVE letters, called LOVEworks, displayed in towns and cities across the Commonwealth.

"Virginia is for Lovers is about doing the things you love to do on vacation with the people you love most," said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "The new LOVEwork at Smith River Sports Complex captures that idea perfectly, and gives you an authentic sense of place as it showcases Martinsville-Henry County’s dedication to Sports Tourism and outdoor Recreation. We are excited that Martinsville-Henry County will help us share the LOVE with travelers, helping them to discover for themselves why Virginia is for Lovers.”

“We appreciate the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s support, and the support of the whole community in bringing LOVEworks to Martinsville-Henry County,” says Beth Stinnett, Assistant Director of Tourism. “We are excited to share the love of our natural assets and sports tourism, including NASCAR racing at Martinsville Speedway.”
The LOVEwork was produced locally by Lawless Welding in Fieldale, VA and painted locally by Jamie Adams of Kreative Paint Works. “This was a project we were thrilled to be a part of,” said Chris Lawless, owner of Lawless Welding. “It was exciting for our team to work on such a creative project that will be a permanent attraction for our community and visitors for years to come.”

Visitors to the LOVEwork are encouraged to take pictures with it and share them on Facebook at Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers and on Instagram and Twitter, using the hashtag #LOVEVA, #VisitMartinsville and #SRSC.

A full list of LOVEworks can be found at Virginia.org/LOVE.