‘VIRGINIA’ EAGLE LANDS AT TEXAS ROADHOUSE IN STATESBORO

A new Eagle sculpture called “Virginia” has joined the Eagle Nation on Parade flock after landing at Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Statesboro. The sculpture is named after the late Virginia Sabb Jackson, who worked at the former Landrum dining hall for many years. The placement of the 6′ x 5′ x 4′ fiberglass sculpture at Texas Roadhouse is a special honor to the restaurant’s managing partner and owner Maurice Jackson, Virginia Jackson’s son.

“It feels like I’m at Mom’s house instead of my house because she’s here every day watching over me,” Jackson said.

“Virginia” is the 11th Eagle sculpture in the Eagle Nation on Parade Public Art Project. It was painted by Jeff Garland, associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and former chair of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. Jackson wanted a natural look for the sculpture, which inspired Garland to research the types of environments in Texas where bald eagles typically nest.

“I saw the environment where this sculpture would sit, and I noticed the colors of the rocks and bricks around the restaurant, and that led me to think about the types of rocks you’d find in Texas,” Garland said.

“The colors on the rock at the foot of the sculpture are a direct reflection of the environment where the eagle would live in Texas, so I was really concentrating on that aspect when I was painting it.”

The public art project salutes the University’s traditions, celebrates the unity of campus and community, contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in Statesboro and supports student scholarships and research.