Nelson County, Virginia artist Pat Saunders has been selected to paint and embellish a 5 foot tall fiberglass Hokie Bird, which will be displayed around Blacksburg and surrounding areas during the summer of 2006. Artists were requested to submit designs to an artistic jury last November. These Hokie Birds are going to be much like the famous "Cows" which were placed around Chicago several years ago. A 1987 graduate of Virginia Tech, Pat is very excited that her design was one chosen. "My design incorporates various scenes from the Tech campus, and famous local areas of interest in Blacksburg." The Hokie Birds my be purchased by businesses or individuals. Pat's Hokie Bird design was select by Bill Ellenbogen of Bogen's, a popular restaurant in Blacksburg. The businesses or individuals who purchase the Hokie Birds will determine their final placement.

The Gobble de Art project is sponsored by The Blacksburg Partnership which is a non-profit, independent economic development organization formed by the town, business and University communities. The purpose of the project is to increase awareness and interest in Blacksburg and also to bring attention to the visual arts. The funds raised from the project will go toward enhancements to Blacksburg that improve the quality of life and add to the current attractive tourism  and retirement destination of Blacksburg and the surrounding communities. The Blacksburg Partnership Foundation will pay an  honorarium to the artists selected.