WATERLOO -- Dream interpreters say dreaming about cows is the desire for fulfillment, prosperity and contentment.

The colorful exhibition, "Dreaming Cows" by Betty LaDuke, on display now through December at the Phelps Youth Pavilion, represents the realization of those dreams and the abundance that cows can offer poor families in countries around the world.

LaDuke's paintings, drawings and color photographs celebrate the culture and lives of those who seek self-reliance in such impoverished countries as Uganda, Rwanda, Peru, Ecuador, Poland, Cambodia and Vietnam.

"The cows that children will see in Betty LaDuke's work will inspire them to think that art can be fun, and help kids understand how an animal like a cow can sustain humans and reduce hunger," said Carolyn Carpenter, pavilion manager.

The noted artist, educator and storyteller was inspired by Heifer International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization whose purpose is to end world hunger through providing livestock, training and other resources to the poor. Families may receive a cow or other animal that helps feed them, as well as the community. When the animal is bred, families pass on the "gift" to another family by donating one or more offspring, that continues the cycle. The results diminish hunger and increase standards of living.

LaDuke has traveled through many countries and sketched farmers participating in Heifer projects.

"Her work has always dealt with culture and daily life of different peoples around the world, and this new body of work is a natural progression. In addition to the artwork, there are lots of ways that children can interact with the theme," said Kent Shankle, exhibit curator. "The exhibit and activities explore cultural diversity, environmental and economic sustainability, sharing, the role of animals and human interdependence on animals."

Footprints lead children through the gallery as they determine which animals left the tracks. "Cow-a-bunga" is a favorite activity, an oversized board game that allows children to become the game pieces as they step on the board and draw cards that move them through various scenarios related to Heifer International's work. A sorting circle allows visitors to match products such as eggs, cheese, butter, honey and wool with the animals that provide them.

Children also can don beekeeper's gear at the bee hive -- "it's OK, Mom, no real bees," said Shankle. Another station provides Crayons and markers for creating artwork, and "Dream Weavers" lets children use a simple loom to create a large weaving, while learning about animals that provide fleece for weaving into textiles.

A pair of live bunnies reside in a hutch for children to learn more about the relationship between humans and animals and responsibilities of caring for pets.

A "Buy a Cow, Build a Dream" receptacle encourages visitors to deposit sales receipts from purchases made at any Hansen's Dairy location. Hansen's Dairy will donate 10 cents to Heifer International for each Hansen's receipt returned to the Pavilion now through December. An interactive kiosk map shows where Heifer International is active, including projects in 53 countries and 27 U.S. states.

LaDuke attended Denver University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, and traveled to Mexico in 1953 to study at the Instituto Allende. She had personal encounters with Mexican muralists Diego Rivera, David Alfredo Siquieros and Rufino Tamayo, and after leaving the institute, she worked in Mexico painting murals in Otomi Indian villages.

To learn more about Heifer International, visit www.

heifer.org.