How big is a goose egg?
When will the new eggs appear?
How much do these eggs go for, anyway?
How can I bid on the egg(s) of my choice?
How can I display my art eggs?
Where do all these eggs come from?
How can I get involved?


How big is a goose egg?

The size of the eggs varies, but most goose eggs are about 3-3½" high, and 2-2½" in diameter.

There are several emu eggs (about 5" long) as well, and we hope to have one or two ostrich eggs.

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When will the new eggs appear?

We’ll be adding eggs as they come in and get photographed. Eggs were shipped to artists in the spring of 2017. We hope to have most eggs back by early September, 2017.

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How much do these eggs go for, anyway?

At the 1998 auction, prices ranged from $25 - $240, with the average egg selling for $85. Since then, averages have ranged from $125 (in 2004) to $140 (in 2002), with individual eggs going for $30-$1,125.

Don’t let the prices scare you off, however. Every year, some amazing eggs go for far less than we think they should! This is an auction, and you never can tell where the prices will fall, so get your bids in early!

Just a note, though - “ebay-style” odd bid amounts (e.g., $77.53), while accepted, aren’t necessarily an advantage. Because this is a live auction, an odd amount bid from the absentee bid table screams, “This is as high as this bidder will bid!”

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How can I bid on the egg(s) of my choice?

Just about any way you like!
  • Attend the opening preview and/or auction in Hanover, NH.
  • Submit absentee bids using our on-line bidding form.
  • Call the school at 802-785-2077 and leave your name and number for the absentee bid manager.
  • Bid by telephone: check the “bid by phone” box on the bidding form, or leave a message for the absentee bid manager at the school and we’ll call you during the auction.
  • Send us a note by U.S. mail, to Egg Auction Bidding, Open Fields School, PO Box 53, Thetford Hill, VT 05074. Include your name, telephone number, the artist & title of the egg you’d like to bid on, your maximum bid, credit card number & expiration date.

Note that unless you plan to attend the preview or auction, we MUST receive your absentee bid or request to bid by telephone by October 5, 2017!!

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How can I display my art eggs?

The possibilities are endless: in an egg cup; on a napkin ring; in a bowl or basket draped with cloth; with an ornament hanger; in a display case. Some artists have included stands or displays with their eggs.

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Where do all these eggs come from?

One of our loyal Open Fields families has raised geese and blown the goose eggs for years. The Taylor family continues to provide many of the eggs which make the Great Goose Egg Auction possible. Recently, another Open Fields family has contributed additional goose eggs.

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How can I get involved?

Bid on eggs!

Tell your friends, and send them the URL so they can bid, too.

Got media contacts? Show them this site and have them give us a call. We’d be happy to provide artists and others for interviews, or to send photos or high-resolution digital scans of eggs.

If you’ve got a secure display case in the Upper Valley (VT/NH Connecticut River valley) area, perhaps we could arrange a display of eggs from prior auctions at your place of business.

If you’re an artist interested in being considered for participation in a future auction, let us know (email info@openfields.org or send a note to Open Fields School, Thetford Hill, VT 05074).

Put a link to this site on your website. (Contact nellie.pennington@openfields.org for more info, especially if you want to feature a specific egg.)

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