Study 'Til the Cow Comes Home

If you've visited Mortensen Library recently, you've probably noticed the colorful four-legged visitor grazing near the entrance.

Her name is "Moople Syrup," and she was one of the participants in the popular West Hartford Cow Parade in 2003. Guida's Milk and Ice Cream, the cow's sponsor, has placed her on temporary display at Mortensen Library.

It's a very appropriate location, since the cow is one of several that were painted by Stephen Brown, associate professor of painting at the Hartford Art School, his wife Gretchen, and their children.

The library's new bovine tenant is painted with colorful autumn leaves against a bright blue background. Each of her hooves is surrounded by stacks of pancakes covered with maple syrup.

From students to tour groups, the cow has given library visitors a lot to chew on.

"The response has been great. People laugh, smile, point. We had a child on a tour with her parents who just loved it," said Randi Ashton-Pritting, director of University Libraries.

Pritting said she is hoping that Moople Syrup will stay at the library for about six months. Clearly, library officials are hoping to milk it for all they can.

"The cow is bright blue, so it brightens up the entire lobby," Pritting said. "It's wonderful."