It was no April Fool’s joke when students from Ladysmith Intermediate School egged First Avenue in downtown Ladysmith last week.
A total of 315 original, hand-painted Easter eggs were strung up in the trees in front of local businesses in a colourful display scheduled to stay up until April 20.
The art project was organized by the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District with the help of local woodturner and artist Steen Hjort, who created the wooden eggs for students to paint. Those involved expressed excitement at being able to share this fun public art installation with the community and with visitors.
Organizers say each egg is unique, designed to make you smile, and expresses the individual artistry of the student who painted it.
Andrea Rosato-Taylor, Ladysmith Downtown Business Association president, welcomed the colourful additions.
“Every time I see our downtown decorated with yet another wonderful public art project, I’m reminded of a quote by Elder Uchdorf: ‘The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human Soul.’” Rosato-Taylor said. “I am always impressed with the execution of these ideas and how much joy they spread when we see the art projects come to life.”
These projects are simple in concept but inspiring nonetheless. They engage the children as artists, create interaction with our community, and make us happy. This causes one to wonder, egg-xactly which came first: the inspiration or the art?
Kathy Holmes, president of the Arts Council offered thanks to all involved.
“Thank you to the Arts Council staff for sharing happiness in the heart of our community. Thanks to the Ladysmith Intermediate School students and staff who helped hatch this art bomb in record time and lastly the Festival of Lights crew who show up to help egg the trees and the Lions Club for the Easter Bunny.
“Happy Easter to all!”