PICKENS — The city of Pickens’ “Turtles on the Town” project is entering the next phase.
Intricate artistry by sculptor Zan Wells has the turtles off to the foundry, where the 12 clay models of the turtle species will be used to make the molds for the final bronze statues. This involved process will take about three months for completion.
“We hope the company from Atlanta will be able to install the turtles the first part of May,” said Pickens Middle School science teacher Dr. Susan Hilyer.
There is still time for community businesses and individuals to be a part of the history-making community project. Students at Pickens Middle School are almost finished with their sketches of the turtles, as well as the special landmark locations where the turtles will be placed. The sketches will be bound into a coloring book and be made available after installation is complete. In the back of the book is a special dedication page showing the names of all the community citizens who have been supportive of the project.
“We really want a full page of sponsors from the Pickens area, because this has been such a community effort,” PMS teacher Louise Hope said. “Many thanks to those who have given money thus far, but there is still room for more names.”
Anyone giving $25 or more may have their name or the name of a loved one listed on the special page of the coloring book.
If you are interested in being a part of the “Turtles on the Town” project, contact Hilyer at 414-8280 or susanhilyer@pickens.k12.sc.us or Hope at 414-8543 or louisehope@pickens.k12.sc.us. Checks may be made payable to: “City of Pickens, Turtles on the Town” and mailed to Pickens Middle School, 467 Sparks Lane, Pickens, SC 29671 ATTN: Turtle Ladies.