Parents and fifth grade students flocked to the Cora J. Belden Library Wednesday night to view statues of penguins made from household materials.  

About four years, Stevens Elementary School art teacher Jilani Scherer was watching the Cows on Parade in West Hartford and wanted to do something creative with her fifth grade students.

"I wanted something where the kids could show their own style and skills," she said.

Scherer noticed her mother using coffee mate and instantly had an idea for an art project.

The students use the coffee mate as the body of their penguin. In fact, each of the body parts of the penguin is made from recyclable materials, Scherer said. The noses are made from egg cartons, the feet are manufactured from cardboard and the body is paper mached with newspaper.

“It’s all recycled art,” she said.

The students give each of the penguins its own personality, Scherer said.  Penguins were made into leprechauns, skiers, football players and video game characters.

Scherer wanted to find a place where she could display the students work, so she contacted the library. The event started was an informal event its first year. However, the Friends of the Cora J. Belden Library wanted to make the event more like an art gallery opening and brought refreshments.

"It's a nice way for people in town to see what we are doing," Scherer said.

Cora J. Belden Library Director Mary Hogan said by having the library host the penguin statues, they can be displayed for a longer period of time and more people will be able to view them.

“We love having the event here,“ she said.

Both Hogan and Scherer were happy with the overall attendance of the gallery showing.

"We get a good turnout each year," Scherer said. The penguins will be on display until March 2. 

The Griswold middle and high school students will host an art gallery on March 7 at the library. For more information about library programs, visit their website or call 860-258-7621.

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