Parkes library is a cross between a barnyard and a zoo this month, all in the name of art.  A mob of emus, a rhino, cow, owls and chooks are amongst 51 works created for this year’s Waste to Art and Design Exhibition. They’re made from waste plastics, paper, old clothes and scrap metal - this year’s special theme.  Shellie Buckle, council’s manager cultural, education and library services, is astounded at the ideas artists have each year. “Artists have called upon the animal kingdom for inspiration this year - a mob of emus, a rhino, cow, sheep, rodent, dog, owls, chooks and Ned the giraffe are just some of the astonishing artworks made from waste,” she said. Over 11 years, this is a competition that has captured everyone’s imagination. Mayor Ken Keith says the local school involvement is wonderful.  “Children from Cheeky Cherubs, Little Art Company, students from Middleton, Parkes High, Parkes Public and Peak Hill Central and home-schooled children have entered works,” he said. “I urge the community to visit the exhibition and see our students’ amazing talents.”  The exhibition is open at Parkes Library until Wednesday 20 and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork. The People’s Choice will be awarded at the end of the exhibition.  Winners of the Parkes exhibition (listed inside) go onto the regional competition and exhibition hosted by Bathurst Regional Council with the opening planned for Saturday, July 18.  Winner Primary 3D Ballerina - by Parkes Public School, K-2 Highly commended Primary 3D Nesting Neighbours by Master Apprentices, Little Art Company Winner primary 2D Spring Arrives by Lara Piercy Highly commended Primary 2D Metal C by St Josephs School Winner high school 3D A Mowers Fire by Joseph Trumble Winner community 3D Outback by John Grady Highly commended community 3D Golfie the Dog by Geoff & Lesley Fisher Winner community functional It's a Date by Sharyn Preisig Highly commended community functional Recycling a Never Ending Story by Currajong Disability Service Winner open 3D A Little Africa by Helen Standen and Elsie Mahon Highly commended open 3D Drowning in Drought by Bob Hansford Winner open 2D Branching Out by Elsie Mahon and Helen Standen Winner open functional Rustic Roost by Helen Standen Winner building/sculpture 2D Whooooo's Lookin at You by the Middleton Public School Community Winner building/sculpture functional Return to Sender by Kelvie Blackstock Winner yearly theme (scrap metal): A Little Africa by Helen Standen and Elsie Mahon Library encouragement: My Mum's Brain by George Heath; Ned the Giraffe by Sam Ryan