Biography

KAREN RORRER EGGLESTON

Karen Rorrer Eggleston “treasures” her spare time, and has learned that others value the art she creates during those hours as well. “Treasures” is the name of one of her egg sculptures marketed on national television.

The self-taught artist explains that the egg sculpting talent was unintentionally discovered. Her hobbies/talents began with calligraphy; old English lettering, italics and script. After several years of professional calligraphy, she incorporated the lettering on glass and wood, discovering a unique talent of depth woodcarving. Then, her most dynamic art form was born. Experimenting with empty eggshells, Karen’s true creative ability flourished. Her sculptures include eggs such as, ostrich, emu, rhea, goose, swan, pigeon, guinea and duck. Each sculpture is named just as other artists name their art pieces. Obviously there are no reproductions—each sculpture is an original piece of art.

Eggleston has experienced several prestigious opportunities beginning when QVC (the nation’s largest retailer) selected her art as one of the top 20 products to represent the state of Virginia in their 50/50 show. (50 states in 50 weeks) In effect, this designated her egg art as one of the top 1000 products in the United States. QVC selected and purchased 250 goose eggs, “Treasures” which were sold on their show. Virginia’s Governor, George Allen asked for a sculpture to display in the Governor’s mansion and a special emu egg was designed for him. Bill Elliott Racing commissioned a unique custom design for his 25^th race year anniversary and an ostrich egg was designed for Bill Elliott. Also, 175 goose eggs for the Elliott fan club was commissioned with the same custom design. James Madison University commissioned Karen to design and carve emu eggs for their Impact3 Leadership Program awards.

She is a member of the Virginia Carolina Arts and displays at those shows. She markets her creations in national magazines and at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center located in her home town, Martinsville, Virginia. Her art wares are also displayed and sold in select retail stores in Virginia, North Carolina and Colorado. Karen has an annual show in her studio.

Karen teaches calligraphy, painting and egg art at the Reynolds Homestead in Critz, Virginia -a continued education site of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University located in Blacksburg, Virginia. She also teaches at the local Patrick Henry Community College.

Since her art wares are in the U.S., Germany, Japan and Norway, you never know where you might pick up a wooden plate, a cider bottle or an ostrich egg and find the artist’s signature to be “K Egg”.

Karen Eggleston was born in Martinsville, Virginia and lives in Henry County, Virginia. She graduated from the local Patrick Henry College. Karen is married to Dennis Eggleston and has two sons, Greg and Mark Washburn who all greatly encourage her in her artwork.