Exhibit: Dogs of War and Peace
Dogs of War and Peace
March 2025
Giving form to Honor and Sacrifice
Don't miss the traveling exhibition, Dogs of War and Peace, which displays wooden dog sculptures created by master Ohio craftsman James Mellick. The dogs are intended to be symbolic of the sacrifice and exhibit the same wounds as their human companions in battle. The installation of wounded and rehabilitated dogs intends to raise awareness and focus the attention on the sacrifice and needs of wounded veterans. To this end, these sculptures are not for sale but their display is for the purpose raising money at various exhibition venues and donations will be made to local veterans organizations that serve wounded warriors. This group intends to promote and raise awareness of this exhibition opportunity throughout the United States on behalf of wounded veterans
Meet the Artist
James Mellick’s career as an artist has been divided between the art market and the university. In 1973 he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a major in painting, a minor in sculpture and extensive work in printmaking.
I am moved by the physical and emotional sacrifice by the men and women of the United States military. Contemporary medical technology and triage in the field has more veterans surviving with injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars. In my limited and small way, I want to pay tribute to the soldiers who served with great sacrifice by creating the sculptural allegory of wounded warrior dogs who were the soldier’s best friend and companion in battle.
— John Mellick
The beauty and craftsmanship of the exhibition is not intended to ignore the intensity or suffering of war. Mellick’s intent is to emphasize the nobility of those who sacrificed life, limb, and spirit in service to their country.
