What’s black and white and a champion of higher education?
The answer’s a penguin –Wirral Metropolitan College’s contribution to the Go Penguins public art extravaganza that’s set to be the talking point of Liverpool this Christmas.
Created by college artist and graphic designer Jennifer Coley, the five-foot penguin, sporting a cap and gown, will be placed in the Met Quarter as part of the citywide event that organisers hope will repeat the success of last year’s ‘Go Superlambananas’.
As well as having a higher education theme, the penguin – entitled “WMC – The Place To Be” – has a nautical touch too.
Jennifer explained: “Diane and myself came up with the idea of portholes on the front and back, illustrating our College campuses and the link between Liverpool and Wirral, showing that, although there’s the Mersey between us, we’re not all that far fromeach other.”
“However, the underlying message of the Go Penguins event is the fact that, what we’re doing to the earth is threatening the existence of these creatures.”
“If we, as a College, can help educate the public about the effects of global warming on endangered species and raise awareness of the threat of climate change, then all our efforts will be worthwhile.”
More than 100 penguins will be on show in the city to create the festive themed Winter’s Trail. The public art event was commissioned by Liverpool City Council as part of its Year of the Environment.
Photo: Jennifer painting the penguin and close view of porthole.