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Art project hatches in park
First egg welcomed at Sharon Springs
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Forsyth County News

The first of more than two dozen, large painted eggs was rolled out for public view Friday.

The fiberglass eggs, which stand about 5 feet tall, are being placed throughout Forsyth County to showcase the talent of local artists.

Sharon Springs Park was the first site to receive a painted egg.

"This is just one way for the artists to promote the arts and give back to their community," said Paula Chambers, program coordinator for the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department. "We really have a great number of talented artists in the area."

Patti Russell, director of the Sawnee Artists Association's gallery, was one of four member artists to paint the Sharon Springs Park egg.

"We worked a lot of hours on the egg and it's been finished since before Christmas, so we were really glad to see it on public display," she said.

"As I was leaving the park, I noticed a car pull in and stopped and everyone in the car was staring at the egg, so that was kind of neat."

Twenty-five eggs were produced. Chambers said they cost a total of $13,000, including $2,500 for the reusable mold.

The egg shape was chosen to recognize the contributions of the poultry industry in Forsyth, said Chambers, who also serves as president of the Cumming-Forsyth County Arts Council.

The arts council, artists association, parks and recreation department and Sawnee Woman's Club were involved in the project.

As the egg was being placed at the park, several members of the organizations involved began sharing horror stories of transporting the eggs, including nearly losing one while crossing Lake Lanier.

Elizabeth Keller, with the county's parks and recreation department, said she delivered several at one time in a large truck.

"We looked like a mini-egg crate when we delivered those things," she said.

Despite the logistical challenges, all the eggs are safe. Many are in the process of being painted, including those for United Community Bank, American Proteins and McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Once painted, the eggs will go to Lanier Technical College, where they will receive a clear coat finish to protect against vandalism.