The Commission on Public Art voted Aug. 4 to adopt “Leesburg is out of this world” as the theme for the upcoming Paint the Plow program, endorsing a space and outer-space concept designed to appeal to children and the community.

Commissioners considered a long list of theme suggestions — including “Layers,” “Walk in the Woods,” “Hometown Heroes” and “Below the Surface” — before a member moved and another seconded the motion to select the space theme. A roll call was taken by voice; commissioners responded “aye” and the chair declared the motion approved.

Members discussed design opportunities such as using luminescent paint or a black-light installation for after-dark viewing and noted operational limits because town plow attachments are used on other equipment and are not available for multiuse in all seasons. Staff said the commission will publish the theme and invite artist submissions and that additional material or budget requests (for specialty paint or lighting) would come back to the commission for approval.

No funding for specialty materials was approved at the meeting; staff will return with any cost estimates for luminous paint or lighting if the commission wishes to pursue them.