‘City That Soars’ Sculpture Joins Eagle Nation on Parade in Statesboro

A new Eagle Nation on Parade sculpture is on display in Statesboro. Called “The City That Soars,” the eagle is perched outside the Main Street Farmer’s Market near the Convention and Visitors Bureau building. It marks the community’s first introduction to an Eagle Nation on Parade sculpture since 2016.

The artwork on the six-foot-plus tall sculpture is the work of Jeff Garland, who chairs the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt) at Georgia Southern University. Garland used the authentic colors of a bald eagle in his painting process.

As he expressed his enthusiasm for the project, Garland stated, “It was exciting to have an opportunity to contribute to this ongoing tradition in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art. For me, these eagles represent the spirit of Mrs. Sanders and her unwavering commitment to this community and our students. All proceeds from these eagles support student travel and scholarship, two areas Mrs. Sanders felt very passionate about.”

This latest addition represents the tenth sculpture in the Eagle Nation on Parade collection currently exhibited throughout Statesboro. All share a consistent design — a poised eagle landing gracefully on a meticulously carved rock. Professor Marc Moulton and former student Daniel Todd developed the initial concept. However, each chosen artist can transform the blank sculpture into an original work by adding their designs, logos, images, and colors.

Eagle Nation on Parade is a public art project initiated by the BFSDoArt in 2011. The primary objectives include honoring the University’s traditions, fostering a sense of unity between the campus and the local community, contributing to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in Statesboro, and supporting student scholarships and research initiatives.