VERNON, Conn. -- A tiny diorama featuring the Hockanum Falls below a textile mill is Connecticut's entry into this year's national Easter Egg display at the White House.

It was made from a chicken egg by Ellen Fagan of Vernon, and is one of the more ornate in the display from all 50 states.

Fagan, 59, used a Ukrainian egg-decorating technique called Pysanki that uses a combination of glazing, painting, and beeswax.

The opening in the egg was created in the shape of the state shield, which is studded with miniature pearls. Inside is a depiction of the Hockanum Falls tumbling forward with Daniel's textile mill at its crown. Amethysts and garnets, mined in Connecticut and donated by the Manchester Mineralogy Club, can be found in the scene tucked within the surrounding foliage.

At the top, miniature national and state flags are crossed.

"It shows the power and energy and healing and light with the jewelry and waterfalls and mills that I see in this state and here in Rockville," Fagan told the Journal Inquirer of Manchester. "The overall effect is a totally Connecticut scene, that shares many symbols and honors our heritage."

Fagan joined other Easter-egg artists from across the nation and first lady Laura Bush last week at the White House for the opening of the egg exhibit.

Each year artists from around the country present mock-ups of their designs to local egg and poultry boards, who choose one winner to represent their state for the display. Fagan said she enlisted the help of then-Congressman Rob Simmons, and his involvement launched her to the top of the waiting list.

"I still had to go through screenings and interviews and submitting a design for review," Fagan said.

The board gave Fagan a $700 grant for art supplies and travel expenses.

Fagan has a special connection to eggs. Her mother delivered eggs to Fairfield County mansions during the Depression, and was known as the little egg girl, Fagan said.

The exhibit runs through April 24, then will be archived with the displays from past years. Pictures of all the eggs in the display can be viewed at the White House Web site, www.whitehouse.gov/easter/2007/eggsbystate.

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2007 State Easter Eggs

The 2007 Easter Egg Collection continues the tradition that began in 1994 where each state sends a decorated egg to the White House for display. Artists from across the United States created the decorated eggs, which represent each state and the District of Columbia. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year's commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady. The collection is coordinated by the American Egg Board. White House photos by Lynden Steele.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/easter/2007/eggsbystate/