“Over Easy” by Paul Emory of Zanesville, Ohio

PARKERSBURG — A new exhibit featuring 44 hand-detailed ostrich eggs will open Sunday at the Parkersburg Art Center with a reception from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The eggs were each assigned to a different contemporary Ohio artist by exhibit curator Charles Bluestone, of Columbus. The artists were given no restrictions, just told to let the egg give birth to a “flight of fancy,” according to Parkersburg Art Center Director Abby Hayhurst.

All of the eggs are painted in some fashion, and most of the artists kept the basic egg shape. However, some of the artists have added to their eggs in a variety of mediums, such as clay, wood, textiles and found objects.

The eggs have been displayed in several museums in Ohio, including the Columbus Museum of Art. The Parkersburg Art Center is the first venue to host the exhibit outside of Ohio.

“Art 360: Contemporary Art Hatching Across Ohio” will be on display at the art center through April 22. The public is welcome to attend Sunday’s opening reception, for which there is a $10 admission charge for non-art center members. According to Hayhurst, a number of the egg artists plan to be at the reception.

The center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily admission is $2 for non-art center members, with no charge for children under 12.

Also on display at the art center is the statewide “Youth Art Month” exhibit, featuring works by K-12 students, and “Natural Wonders,” drawing and painting by Erin McKown, which has been held over by popular demand.