Painting Peace, Place and Possibility Sanford 250 Exhibition Celebrates the Life and Art of Francine Levy

As part of the City of Sanford’s Celebration of America’s 250^th Anniversary, in partnership with the Puzzled Peace Initiative the City of Sanford proudly presents, Painting Peace, Place and Possibility: The Art of Francine Levy, a special exhibition honoring an artist whose life and work have celebrated the beauty of community, history, and service. The exhibition is now on display in the main lobby of Sanford City Hall, 300 N. Park Ave., and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
 
For more than four decades, Francine Levy has captured Sanford's landscapes, architecture, waterways, and historic character through her paintings, transforming familiar places into lasting expressions of peace, gratitude, and belonging.
 
Born in Brussels, Belgium, Levy studied fine art, art history, costume history, and fashion design before living in France and Kenya and eventually making Central Florida her home. Her experiences across three continents shaped her artistic vision and deepened her appreciation for the beauty found in diverse cultures and communities.
Inspired by the values of peace, unity, and service instilled by her mother, Lea Nys Belgium's first Baha'i in 1947 Levy and her husband, Benjamin, became dedicated members of the Sanford community. Their longstanding service, including their involvement with the Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee, reflects the same compassion and commitment found throughout Francine's artwork.
 
Curated by historian, storyteller, and Puzzled Peace Initiative founder Valada Flewellyn, the exhibition explores three themes that have defined Levy's life and legacy:

• Peace – Seeing the humanity in one another.
• Place – Preserving the stories of the communities that shape us.
• Possibility – Inspiring future generations through art, kindness, and service.

 
Visitors will experience original paintings, family photographs, personal memorabilia, historical documents, and stories tracing Levy's remarkable journey from post-war Belgium to becoming one of Sanford's cherished artists and community volunteers.
 
More than an art exhibit, Painting Peace, Place and Possibility is a tribute to those whose quiet acts of creativity and service leave a lasting impact on a community and remind us that history is preserved not only in monuments, but in lives devoted to making the world more beautiful.
 
Exhibit Information
Painting Peace, Place and Possibility: The Art of Francine Levy
Location: Sanford City Hall, Main Lobby, 300 N. Park Avenue, Sanford
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
 
For more information about the Sanford Museum and the new exhibit Painting Peace, Place and Possibility please visit sanfordmuseum