By Gina Horan
Digital Artist Jason Sansavera Pursues His Passion and Possibilities
For Jason Sansavera, the Leesburg Center for the Arts has been more than a place to create. It’s been a turning point artistically as he’s found a community of artists who have welcomed and encouraged his pursuits.
“It means everything to find a community that speaks the language of art, creativity and sharing ideas,” Jason says.
He compares the atmosphere at the center to a barbershop, a place where artists can exchange ideas, offer support and challenge each other to grow.
Originally from just outside Cleveland, Jason graduated in 2021 from the Columbus College of Art & Design with a bachelor’s degree in animation. Like many graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic, he struggled to break into his field.
After nearly two years of job searching, he decided to follow his parents to Florida and relocate to The Villages in 2023. There, he secured a job as a Recreation Assistant—a role that soon became a stepping stone to something greater.
“I was doodling one day at work when two members noticed my designs,” he says. “They suggested I apply to the Leesburg Center for the Arts. And here I am.”
Jason specializes in digital art, which includes animation, digital painting and sketching, as well as guiding others through the ever-changing landscape of modern programs. His collaboration with the Leesburg Center for the Arts has helped introduce new digital art opportunities to the community. He is also a member of the Tropical Arts Association, a Florida-based enclave for artists to connect.
He has helped inspire a new generation of artists through tutoring, workshops, presentations and working with resident artist Margaret Everson in the Art U after-school program.
“Working with Margaret has been an inspiration,” Jason says. “Digital art is just starting to grow here, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
His long-term goal is to work for a smaller digital art studio where he can learn all aspects of the industry before specializing.
“One day I would love to work for Disney or Pixar, but that requires a specialty,” Jason says. “Now I’m just looking for an opportunity at a smaller studio so I can explore different skills and creative possibilities.”
Photos: Nicole Hamel and Provided
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Gina moved to central Florida in August of 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and spent 10 years as a fashion editor, columnist and food writer for The Knight Ridder Newspaper group. She was also a photo stylist and covered concerts, fashion shows and festivals all over Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for 4 years. She also covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. She is a veteran bartender and has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books, baseball, tasting menus and most of all, landing in a new city with no map or guidebook. Gina lives in Oxford with her mom, cats and baby hamster.
