Mystic Aquarium News

Mystic Aquarium News

Penguins Create Avant-Garde Art With Their Happy Feet at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Posted by MysticAquarium on Oct 08 2008, 11:06 AM
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Two of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s African penguins recently got their feet wet – in paint, that is – and tapped into their inner artists to create the prizes for the upcoming Penguin 5k run or walk on Saturday, October 18 at 9 a.m. The money raised from the second annual 5k run and two-mile walk will go toward the aquarium’s research and conservation efforts around African penguins, whose population has experienced a significant decline in the past three years, threatening to place the beloved birds on the endangered species list.

The event consists of a 5k run on a trail, field and road course, two-mile walk and ¼-mile kids’ race. The walking route winds through the aquarium and Olde Mistick Village. The top three runners in each of eight age divisions for males and females will receive a ceramic tile featuring the penguins’ artwork, and the top fundraiser will be awarded a larger original piece of penguin art on a canvas. The runner-up will receive a free Penguin Encounter, during which he/she will interact face-to-face with a penguin, and participants who raise $50 or more will get a free commemorative race T-shirt.

To create their one-of-a-kind works, the penguins stepped in multi-colored paints and walked on the tiles and canvas. The penguins will also play important roles on race day, greeting runners and walkers at both the start and finish lines, as well as kicking off the race with their calls.For the first time this year, the event includes a merchants competition open to local business teams and a middle school cross-country team competition.

The winners of both competitions will receive an engraved trophy that will be passed to each year’s winning team. Each of the members on the middle school winning team will also receive a meet-and-greet with a penguin.All participants will receive free admission on race day to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.

Visit mysticaquarium.org to download a registration and donation form. The entry fee for adults is $20 before October 11 and $25 afterward, and $10 for children ages 3 to 13. If you are unable to participate but would like to make a donation, please e-mail sponsorship@mysticaquarium.org or call (860) 572-5955, ext. 553.For more information, visit mysticaquarium.org or e-mail Race Director John Trahan at jdtrahan@comcast.net.