Winning license plate design of Forsyth’ s Linda Sosebee now literally covers the state of Georgia
One Peach of an
A rtist
Winning license plate design of Forsyth’ s Linda Sosebee now literally covers the state of Georgia
From St. Simons Island to Brasstown Bald, the whole state of Georgia is now covered with the artwork of Forsyth artist Linda Sosebee.
That’ s because Sosebee’ s design of the new state license plate was chosen as the new tag for Georgia. Gov. Nathan Deal made the final decision and the state started issuing the plates in the summer of 2012.
Sosebee’ s design of a pastoral setting with rolling hills and peaches was one of five license plate designs chosen to advance to a final round of on-line public voting. Actually, a panel of artists chose two of her designs among the five finalists out of 500 submitted for the competition. In initial voting, Sosebee’ s rolling hills design received more than 34,000 online votes, compared to the runner up, which received more than 15,000 votes. That’ s out of more than 500,000 votes cast.
Sosebee actually won an open competition not once but twice.
In July 2011 the state told Sosebee her design was the winner, but then state officials decided to call for a re-vote after confusion arose over whether the plates would include the“ In God We Trust” sticker. Sosebee then won in the second round of voting as well.
Sosebee, who’ s also a champion sporting clays shooter, got a free set of license plates for her trouble.
Noting Sosebee’ s prowess as a national and world champion sharpshooter, Gov. Deal quipped it’ s no surprise she won.
“ I suppose we must have been afraid to vote against her,” he said.
But Sosebee is also an accomplished artist, who has created large murals for the Department of Corrections, the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce and several hospitals and private practices. She’ s also designed logos for businesses and corporations.
A native of California, Sosebee moved to town with her husband, Forsyth native Hugh Sosebee, Jr. in 2005. They have one son Hugh.
Winning license plate artist Linda Sosebee and son Hugh Sosebee III... Deal announced the winner of the contest to create the new license plate.
MCAA is a non-profit organization created to show the work of local artists and to provide year-round classes in the many facets of fine art for children and adults.
478-994-8668 54 N. Jackson Street • Forsyth, GA 31029
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