NOTICE | 2025 JAVMA and AJVR open access fees: $1,300
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
The mission of JAVMA is to advance the practice of veterinary medicine through publishing exemplary curated and peer reviewed clinically relevant articles in accessible formats.
ISSN: 0003-1488
Online ISSN: 1943-569X
Volume 263 (2025): Issue S1 (Jun 2025): Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine – From Sampling to Test Interpretation
Antiarrhythmic efficacy and safety of oral mexiletine in dogs with ventricular arrhythmias: a multicentre, retrospective analysis
Lag screw compression effectively treats proximal subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the first phalanx of mature performance horses
Metronidazole-sulfadimethoxine combination affects diet digestibility, immunity indicators, fermentation metabolites, and intestinal microbiome of puppies
Radiographic tracheal and carina distension is associated with diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis in dogs
Emergency administration of ephedrine for general anesthesia–induced hypotension requires preemptive atropine in dogs but not cats
Jejunal and medial iliac lymph nodes are frequently thinned and hyperechoic in neutered dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism
Placement of a radiopaque polyurethane esophagostomy tube in a yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) using MILA’s tunneler device
Retrospective study of compliance and persistence of topical ophthalmic medications prescribed to dogs at a veterinary teaching hospital
The sorting hat of specialty veterinary medicine—the proportion of residents sorted into each Hogwarts House varies for different specialties
Clinical signs, treatment, and outcomes for ophthalmic thermal injury in 108 cats exposed to northern California wildfires between 2015 and 2020
Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a safe, minimally invasive intervention for companion pigs
Oclacitinib (Apoquel) toxicosis resulting in acute kidney injury in a dog
Identified-regulation motivational style, health factors, and rational decision-making drive pet owners’ participation in pet weight loss programs
Association between steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis and gastrointestinal signs in dogs: a case-control study
Bilateral follicular activity in a 7-year-old Oldenburg mare with a 3-year history of an enlarged left ovary
The brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score’s predictability for major postoperative complications varies between breeds undergoing brachycephalic obstructive airway surgery
Emergency clinicians need more information about offering spectrum of care and solutions for clients with financial limitations
Evaluation of oral meloxicam in beef calves with neonatal calf diarrhea
Management of tibiotarsal diseases with nonarticulating linear external skeletal fixation for temporary tarsal immobilization in 22 dogs (2011–2024)
Understanding veterinary technician burnout, part 1: burnout profiles reveal high workload and lack of support are among major workplace contributors to burnout
Understanding veterinary technician burnout, part 2: addressing veterinary technician burnout requires tailored organizational well-being initiatives
Anesthetic complication and endoscopic treatment of soda lime granule aspiration under inhalant general anesthesia in a Greyhound
Pica as a clinical sign of a chronic enteropathy in dogs and cats
Short-term bactericidal properties differ between 2 alcohol-based surgical antiseptic products using the glove-juice technique
Voided urine collection for urine culture in female dogs with lower urinary tract signs is not a substitute for cystocentesis
Effects of ororuminal forced feeding of oral electrolytes or milk replacer combined with intravenous fluids on blood metabolites and mortality in dehydrated surplus calves
Gonadectomy status and age are associated with variable risk of overweight or obese outcomes in 15 dog breeds: a retrospective cohort study using data from primary care veterinary clinics
Incidence of dehiscence and erythema in tibial plateau leveling osteotomy incisions closed with barbed, bidirectional monoderm suture is equal to external nylon sutures
Needle thoracoscopy utilized for thoracic evaluation in a cat with suspected pulmonary metastasis
Sampling size methodologies used in pig welfare audits underestimate animal-based measures: a preliminary exploration
Acute hemolytic disease in neonatal calves
Cardiac arrhythmias in a canine patient following subacute iron toxicosis
Dorsolateral approach to hip and pelvis ultrasound in dogs
There is no significant difference in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia in dogs with ampicillin-sulbactam versus ampicillin-sulbactam and enrofloxacin
Chronic diarrhea and hematochezia in a dog
How to perform abdominocentesis and interpret abdominal fluid in equine patients
A prospective observational study of 345 canines with ruptured splenic tumors suggests benign lesions are more common than previously reported
Surgical technique, outcome, complications, and recurrence rate for removal of extensive perianal melanomas: 50 treated horses
Insulating the extremities of cats with highly insulating materials during anesthesia reduces core temperature decline with additional benefit from active warming
Most, but not all, clinical veterinary journals have improved publication speed of research articles–another look 6 years on
Safe use of intraoperative intraperitoneal crystalloid fluid administration in management of late-term pregnant queens undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy
The T-wave peak-end to QT ratio is prolonged and minimally influenced by RR interval in Doberman Pinschers with subclinical dilated cardiomyopathy
Comparison of 27- and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of canine rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Patient safety events cause harm across a variety of veterinary care settings: a global retrospective analysis
Transfusion of rhodococcal hyperimmune plasma to newborn foals does not markedly alter serum electrolyte or protein concentrations
Fluoroscopic-assisted transesophageal retrograde nasopharyngoscopy in dogs and cats
Aseptic technique for blood culture collection in the field to diagnose Salmonella Dublin in calves
A dorsal ultrasound-guided approach to perineural injection of the sixth and seventh cervical spinal nerves in horses is accurate and does not result in epidural placement
Implicit weight bias exists among veterinary professionals
Opportunities for veterinary engagement to improve aquaculture production and the health of farmed fish in the North Central Region of the United States
Swollen neck in 3 lambs
Ultrasonographic findings of jejunal lymph node lipomatosis in a cat: a case report
Lizard anesthesia—a retrospective study of anesthetic protocol and monitoring quality of anesthetic episodes at a veterinary hospital over 23 years (2000–2023)
Metastatic canine intraspinal nephroblastoma following spinal cord decompression in a Golden Retriever
Preoperative septic peritonitis, hypotension, and reason for surgery are risk factors for small intestine dehiscence in dogs: a directed acyclic graph approach
Seizures and chronic abdominal pain in a 7-year-old Yorkshire Terrier
Validation of goniometric measurements of rotational laxity of the canine stifle
Corneal rupture in a 19-year-old Quarter Horse mare
Description of clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of congestive heart failure in 13 goats
Differences in pain and trauma caused by common sampling devices used in the United States for Tritrichomonas foetus testing in bulls
Marked lymphadenomegaly in a 4-month-old Yorkshire gilt
Outpatient gastrointestinal foreign body surgeries performed in a nonspecialized setting have good outcomes for dogs and cats
Antibiotic resistance in equine dermatology: what should we do?
Equine cadaveric study suggests tibial and fibular nerve block is feasible with a single ultrasound-guided injection via a caudocranial midfemoral approach
Inhaled albuterol rapidly decreases whole blood potassium and increases plasma insulin concentrations, with peak effects 30 minutes after administration in cats
Photobiomodulation with fluorescent light energy as a sole treatment of pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot): a case series
Heart rate variability derangements in dogs with Chagas disease: a potential indicator of autonomic and cardiac disruption
Real-world data on behavioral practices for dogs in primary care veterinary hospitals in the United States (2010–2020)
Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy reduces operating time and may improve urolith detection during open cystotomy in male dogs over 7 kg
Most agility dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture return to competition within 2 years of injury
Pre- and postoperative assessment of an ulnar fracture repair
Effective mitigation of an outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli infections in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital
Subclinical gastrointestinal mucosal lesions occur in dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts independent of percutaneous transvenous coil embolization
Liposomal bupivacaine use is not associated with a higher rate of surgical site infections or multidrug-resistant infections in dogs undergoing anal sacculectomy
Dehiscence rate and associated risk factors after gastrotomy for removal of foreign material in dogs and cats
Heparinized venous blood gas syringes are associated with a significant decrease in measured packed cell volume in dogs due to hemodilution
Ventral neck mass in a longhaired Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Prospective assessment of canine thyroid cancer—part I: nodal metastatic rate and impact of nodal immunohistochemistry in 70 dogs
RETRACTED: Sixteen years of canine hepatic copper concentrations within normal reference ranges in dogs fed a broad range of commercial diets
| Aims and Scope | For Librarians |
| Editorial Policies | How to Submit |
Aims and Scope
JAVMA is a monthly, peer-reviewed, general veterinary medical journal owned by the AVMA. The journal publishes manuscripts dealing with any subject germane to the practice of veterinary medicine. Specifically, the mission of JAVMA is to advance and promote the science and art of veterinary medicine while upholding world-class standards in peer-reviewed veterinary medical scientific publications. JAVMA will provide the profession with the latest high-quality research and clinically relevant medical information for veterinarians and will do this by drawing on and disseminating evidence-guided information across species and specialty expertise that promotes the highest-quality ethical standards of clinical care, animal welfare, and public health.
Editorial Policies
Peer review
JAVMA uses a single anonymized review process. Reviewer identities are not, and should not be, disclosed to the authors or other reviewers. In addition, authors should not contact those whom they presume to be reviewers of their manuscript. Each submitted manuscript is initially assessed by the Editor-in-Chief for suitability for the journal and may be assigned to an Associate Editor to initiate peer review by independent experts. When reviews are received, the Associate Editor recommends further revisions or rejection without further review, and the Editor-in-Chief, who may include additional comments, sends the decision to the authors.
Authorship
Individuals should be listed as authors only if they:
- Made a substantial contribution to the conception or design of the study, acquisition of the data used in the study, or analysis and interpretation of that data, AND
- Were involved in drafting or revising the manuscript critically for important intellectual content, AND
- Will have the opportunity to approve the submitted and all subsequent versions, AND
- Agree to be accountable for the validity of the data and results.
Individuals who contributed to the study but do not meet all 4 of these criteria should not be listed as authors but should be included in the Acknowledgments section. Requests to list a working group or study group in the byline will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Language
- Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are written clearly in English and formatted in accordance with these author instructions.
- Manuscripts should be carefully reviewed prior to submission for format, clarity, spelling, and grammar.
- A manuscript deemed by the editorial team to require extensive revisions prior to further consideration will be rejected with the option to resubmit after reformatting and/or editing has been performed.
- The journal does not endorse any specific editing service and provides these examples of suitable services that authors might consider: Cactus, Bioscience Writers, American Journal Experts, and the Nature Research Editing Service. Please note that when working with a professional language-editing service, authors should choose full medical editing with journal formatting, rather than simply proofreading, and that changes should comply with these instructions for authors.
Acknowledgments, disclosures, and funding
Authors will be required to address these 3 statements during submission. This information does not need to be included in the manuscript document.
- Acknowledgments:
- Identify individuals who made important contributions to the study but who do not meet the criteria for authorship. If none, include the statement “None reported.”
- Disclosures:
- Include any conflicts of interest related to the manuscript. Include relevant financial interests (eg, ownership, employment, consultancies, honoraria, paid expert testimony, grants, patent-licensing arrangements, equity interests, and service as an officer or board member), activities, relationships, and affiliations (other than those listed on the title page of the manuscript). If none, include the statement “The authors have nothing to disclose.”
- Include the use of any artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted technology such as ChatGPT or another large language model in the writing of the manuscript or production of images. If none were used, include the statement “No AI-assisted technologies were used in the generation of this manuscript.” If an AI tool was used, the authors must be transparent in disclosing here, in the disclosures section, which AI tool was used and how the AI tool was used. AI tools cannot be listed as an author of a manuscript.
- Funding:
- Include all funding, other financial support, and material support obtained directly or indirectly from any third party in connection with information included in the manuscript or with the writing or publishing of the manuscript. If none, include the statement “The authors have nothing to disclose.”
Copyright
- Upon acceptance of the manuscript, the corresponding author will be required to complete either a Copyright Transfer Agreement or, if you choose to publish open access (which requires payment of an article processing charge [APC]), an Open Access Copyright License Agreement. The APC for open access is $1,250 for articles submitted in 2024, effective January 1, 2024. Open access APC waivers may be granted at the Editor-in-Chief's discretion. Open access articles will be licensed using Creative Commons CC BY-NC. CC BY is available upon request.
- Permissions for use of figures, tables, or other content owned by another party: If your manuscript contains previously published material (text, images, tables, photographs, drawings, etc), you are responsible for obtaining permission for reuse from the original copyright holder. At the time of submission of your manuscript to our journal, please include (1) permission for reuse of figures or tables and (2) a full citation for the previous publication. We cannot publish any previously published illustration or table without written permission from the original copyright holder.
Commercial availability, compounding, and extralabel drug use
- If a manuscript reports results of a study that involved evaluating a pharmaceutical, biologic, or other product that is not legally available in the US for use in that species, then a clear disclaimer is needed in the Methods section describing where the drug is commercially available and that the drug is neither FDA approved nor commercially available in the US.
- If compounded products/drugs were used in a study, an explanation in the Discussion section should include why the authors chose to use compounded products and what key factors should be considered by veterinarians interested in prescribing similarly prepared products.
- The Methods section should contain a complete description of the compounded products.
- Extralabel drug use must comply with the provisions of the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act.
- Examples of the types of statements that would be appropriate for the Discussion section include the following:
- Extralabel drug use was performed with owner consent and complied with provisions of AMDUCA and 21 CFR §530.
- Compounded products were prepared from bulk substances because [provide reason]. Veterinarians should adhere to compounding regulations and be aware that pharmacokinetic properties may differ between compounded and FDA-approved products.
- Compounded products were prepared from FDA-approved products because [provide reason]. Veterinarians should adhere to compounding regulations and be aware that pharmacokinetic properties may differ between compounded and FDA-approved products.
Humane animal care and use
- Research studies involving animals must have been performed in compliance with guidelines outlined in the National Research Council’s Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching or in compliance with equivalent guidelines. If animals were euthanized, the method of euthanasia must be indicated in the manuscript. Methods of euthanasia must comply with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals of jav.ma/GEA. If a method not recommended by the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia was used, a justification for use of this method must be provided.
Institutional oversight and owner consent
- With the exception of reports of retrospective studies based solely on historical data, manuscripts describing studies that involved the use of animals, including studies that involved the use of privately owned animals (eg, animals owned by clients, staff members, students, or private entities), must include a statement that the study protocol was reviewed and approved by an appropriate oversight entity (eg, an animal care and use committee or institutional review board) or was performed in compliance with institutional or other (eg, governmental or international) guidelines for research on animals.
- Prospective studies that involved privately owned animals must also include a statement indicating that informed owner consent was obtained.
- Research involving human subjects, including surveys of human subjects, must include a statement that the research was performed under appropriate institutional review board oversight.
NIH Public Access Policy
- JAVMA is in compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy and with the open access policies of other research funders.
Patient confidentiality and the right to privacy
- Authors have an obligation to protect the personal privacy of patients and clients and to maintain the confidentiality of patient-client information.
- For any manuscript containing patient information (eg, patient descriptions, photographs, or pedigrees) that would allow specific animals or their owners to be identified, the authors must obtain a signed statement of informed consent to publish the information (in print and online) from the owners. Generally, such consent should include an opportunity for the owner to read the manuscript to be submitted for publication. If necessary, nonessential identifying data can be removed, unless clinically or epidemiologically important. However, identifying data may not be altered or falsified.
- Cropping or altering photographs to remove nonessential identifying information is acceptable, so long as the photographs are not otherwise altered. Patient identifiers may not appear in photographs.
- Authors must also obtain informed consent to publish from any identifiable person appearing in photographs. Importantly, these guidelines also apply to any materials (eg, text, photographs, or videos) submitted for posting as supplementary materials.
Prior publication
- Manuscripts are considered with the understanding that they have not been published previously and will not be submitted for publication elsewhere while under consideration by JAVMA.
- Manuscripts submitted to the journal following or prior to presentation at a scientific meeting or publication of preliminary findings elsewhere, such as in abstract form, will be considered for publication. Publication of abstracts and posting of slides or videos of the scientific presentation in a print or online conference proceedings is acceptable.
- Posting preprints of research manuscripts in progress or in submission on a public server is not considered prior publication and is also acceptable. Preprints are defined as research manuscripts that have not undergone formal peer review by a journal. Preprints may also be posted at any time during the review process.
- Authors should disclose preprint posting, including DOI, URL link, and license details, at the time of manuscript submission or during the review process. Authors are requested to update any prepublication versions with a link to the final published article.
- Media coverage of presentations at scientific meetings will not jeopardize consideration, but direct release of results beyond what was included in the abstract through press releases or news media briefings may preclude consideration of the manuscript by this journal.
Plagiarism Policy
At the time of submission, similarity detection software (iThenticate) is used. If the similarity score is less than 25%, no further action is taken. If it’s over 25%, iThenticate is run again with title, author list, affiliations, methods, and references hidden from the check. If it’s still over 25%, authors are informed of the findings and directed to revise the language or provide a reference if the text is recycled from one of their previously published articles.
For Librarians
Subscriptions
Subscription price for nonmembers in the US and possessions is $375 per year; for nonmembers in foreign countries, the price is $390 per year. Single copies are $45 (US and possessions) and $50 (foreign countries). For subscriptions and customer service, contact JAVMA by mail (AVMA Publications Division, 1931 N Meacham Rd, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360), phone (800-248-2862, ext. 6631), or email (subscriptions@avma.org).
Subscriptions include the monthly printed issue plus 2 special-topic supplements annually as well as JAVMA online—including copyedited, typeset articles before they are assembled into an issue, some content that is published online only, and access to all online content.
If your institution is interested in negotiating a “Read and Publish” agreement with AVMA, whereby for a single annual fee your faculty, students, and staff gain free access to JAVMA and waiver of open access article processing charges (CC BY-NC license), please contact Editor-in-Chief Dr. Lisa Fortier at lfortier@avma.org for further information.
JAVMA is owned and published by the AVMA.
How to Submit
To submit manuscripts, please visit Manuscript Central. For author and presubmission inquiries, please contact AVMAJournals@avma.org.
JAVMA Instructions for Authors
↑ Back to top ↑
Instructions for Journal Award Nominations
The annual AVMA Journal Awards recognize contributions of students, interns, and residents for articles published in JAVMA or AJVR. Nominations are accepted year-round.
Qualifications
- Nominee is the first or corresponding author
- Work supporting the article was performed when the nominee was a student, intern, or resident
- Articles are assessed for potential impact and clinical relevance, and winners are selected by an Associate Review Board Panel
Nomination Instructions
- Nominations close on March 15 for the preceding year
- Email your nomination to hlund@avma.org and include the following:
- Name of nominee
- Nominee category (student, intern, or resident)
- Attestation sentence confirming that the work was done by the nominee
- Article title and name of the journal (JAVMA or AJVR)
- Nominee’s current email address
Rewards
- Winners will be announced during the AVMA Annual Convention
- Certificate of achievement
- Cash prize of $500
- Extensive social media exposure
- A waiver of open access fees ($1,300 value) for each winner’s next paper in JAVMA or AJVR
Select a volume below to get started. Requests for the availability of art on JAVMA covers should be directed to Rita Donnelly at rdonnelly@avma.org.
"Respiratory Disease in Cats and Horses" (8.375 in x 6 in; Adobe Photoshop) was created by Megan Reeves Sifuentes in 2025.
Born in Moscow, Idaho, Ms. Reeves Sifuentes grew up with a love of both art and animals. Applying her artistic skill to the field of scientific education fit both passions. She received her BFA in Scientific Illustration from the University of Georgia and her MS in Medical Illustration from Augusta University. Ms. Reeves Sifuentes is continually driven by the desire to help rising health professionals understand the science of their practice so they can more confidently serve their communities. The piece on this cover was inspired by the respiratory disease research of Dr. Kimberly Snedden and her team; it features 2 of her main study species, with a background showing a variety of immune cell types that respond to respiratory infection in horses.
Instagram: @meganreevesart
"Austin 24" (20 in x 24 in; acrylic with modelling paste applied by palette knife) was created by Dr. Bruce W. Francke in 2024.
Born in Essexville, Michigan, Dr. Francke has been a practicing companion animal veterinarian since 1991. He started painting in September of 2020 to enhance his mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of his early paintings have been gifted to people adversely affected by the pandemic or donated to raise funds for charity. The piece on this month’s cover was created specifically for the Second Annual VetArtNow Charity Art Auction, held in conjunction with the 2024 AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas. The cattle theme, the colors of the Lone Star Flag, and even the size of the 20 x 24 canvas pay tribute to the venue. The style blends realism and pop art. Dr. Francke enjoys painting both en plein air and in his studio, especially with his 3 grandchildren.
Facebook: @bruce.francke
Instagram: @boo_coo_art
"Splash of color" (5 in x 7 in; colored pencils on drafting film) was created by Dr. Kathryn Yager in 2024.
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dr. Yager earned her DVM in 2013 from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her passion for drawing started much earlier, when she used to sketch horses in the margins of her high school notebooks. Encouraged by family, friends, and colleagues, Dr. Yager began sharing her artwork this year by creating commissioned pet portraits. The piece on this cover was based on a colorful photograph she found on Pixels, a free website providing reference photography for artists. The texture of the water droplets was particularly challenging to replicate and brings the rainforest setting to life. She currently works as an emergency veterinarian and resides in the North Dallas area with her family.
Instagram: @kathrynyagerdvm_artwork
"Curious Spring" (11 in x 16 in; acrylic on cradled birchwood) was created by Dr. Cheryl Cross in 2024.
Dr. Cheryl Cross received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and has a diverse veterinary background. A self-taught artist, she often finds inspiration in the rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and folk art traditions of Appalachia. Companion animals are also a recurring subject, reflecting her lifelong connection to them both personally and professionally. The painting featured on this month’s cover was inspired by the native beauty of Appalachian wildlife and the eternal optimism of spring. Dr. Cross currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Facebook: Wild Bells Art
Instagram: @wildbellsart
"Kelsey’s Boot" (22 in x 20 in; oil on canvas) was created by Dr. Gayle Leith in 2007.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Dr. Leith received her DVM and MS at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She practiced at the Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Centre for 33 years before beginning her current role as an associate professor at the University of Arizona. A self-taught artist, Dr. Leith enjoys creating oil paintings based on her own photography. The piece featured on this issue’s cover was inspired by Freddie, one of her favorite patients, which she photographed at a show in Tucson. Dr. Leith enjoys riding her Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses and traveling internationally with her husband, Preston, and daughter, Jordyn.
Email: GayleSLeith@gmail.com
"Gus Gus" (20 in x 24 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Shannon Noyes, RVT, CertVNECC, ISFMDipFN, in 2022.
Born in Olean, New York, Ms. Noyes received her Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Science Technology at the State University of New York at Delhi in 2000. She has since worked in busy emergency and specialty hospitals in both New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. When she isn’t working as a veterinary nurse, Ms. Noyes enjoys painting quasirealistic portraits of pets, like this portrait of her friend’s cat, Gus Gus. She also fosters for the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, frequently taking in the most seriously ill kittens. Ms. Noyes currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and 5 rescue cats.
Facebook: @shannonnoyespetportraits
Instagram: @shannonnoyespetportraits1
"Veterinarian and Assistant" (16 in x 20 in; acrylic) was created by Dr. Ken Gorczyca in 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Gorczyca has been painting since the age of 7, when his grandfather taught him how to paint by numbers using oil. As an adolescent, he studied oil painting for 3 years while living on a US military base in West Germany. Dr. Gorczyca received his DVM at the University of California-Davis in 1983. He teaches the University of Vermont’s Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula Training course and is a founding member of VETartNOW. Featured in this painting is Dr. Gorczyca’s former classmate, Dr. Marc Laxineta, who travels regularly with his canine assistant, Chaka. Dr. Gorczyca resides in California. This is this second time his art has appeared in JAVMA; his painting “Ice Bear” was featured on the cover of the December 2021 issue.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ken.gorczyca/
Instagram: @ken.gorczyca
Website: kengorczyca.com
December 2024
Vol. 262, No. S2
"“Ocular Diseases of Monodactylus argenteus" ” (8.375 in x 7.0 in; Adobe Photoshop) was created by Megan Reeves Sifuentes in 2024.
Ms. Reeves Sifuentes received her BFA in Scientific Illustration from the University of Georgia and her MS in Medical Illustration from Augusta University. She grew up with a love for both art and animals, and applying her artistic skill to the field of scientific education fit both passions. She is continually driven by the desire to help rising health professionals understand the science of their practice to more confidently serve their communities. Copyright, University of Georgia.
Instagram: @meganreevesart
December 2024
Vol. 262, No. 12
"Fritten" (12 in x 12 in x 1.63 in; oil on cradled wood panel) was created by Dr. Shagufta Mulla in 2021.
Born in Surat, India, Dr. Mulla is a graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She practiced small animal veterinary medicine for 20 years and is now a freelance writer and editor for TIME Stamped. She is also the art editor for the literary journal, Peatsmoke. This artwork was a commissioned piece by Dr. Brian Peter and Dr. Beth Dutton of Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mulla currently resides in Independence, Oregon.
Instagram: @s.mulla.dvm
November 2024
Vol. 262, No. 11
"A Child's Land of Animal Fables" (6 ft x 8 ft; oil on canvas) was created by Dan Howe in 2007.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Mr. Howe studied at the American Academy of Art and under artist Tom Lovell. He received his MFA from Syracuse University and has taught at the University of Wisconsin, Scottsdale Artists’ School, and Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In this artwork, commissioned for the Beverly Hills Animal Hospital waiting room, modern-day children peer into a box of newborn puppies as animal characters from fables parade across the canvas. Titles of the rhymes are arranged around the border, encouraging anxious children and adults to pass the time by matching titles with pictures. Mr. Howe currently resides in Canaan, Connecticut.
"The Unspoken Bond" (20 in x 30 in; watercolor) was created by Margaret Wienges in 2023.
Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Ms. Wienges inherited a love for veterinary medicine and artistic talent: her father—Dr. Lawrence Wienges—is a veterinarian, and her mother is a retired portrait artist. She studied art at the University of South Carolina and has worked as a graphic designer and self-employed portrait artist since graduating in 2008. She has been a volunteer for Boykin Spaniel Rescue since 2014 and served as a board member for 3 years. This artwork was inspired by the unspoken bond between owner and rescue animal. She currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
Facebook: @Margaret.Wienges
Instagram: @MargaretJWienges
September 2024
Vol. 262, No. 9
At this year's House of Delegates meeting, incoming AVMA President Dr. Sandra Faeh shared her goals for the 2024–2025 Association year. Dr. Michael Bailey was chosen as the 2024–2025 President-Elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Robert Knapp as Chair and Dr. Sandy Willis as Vice Chair for the 2024–2025 Association year. Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom will continue as the Executive Vice President/CEO and Assistant Executive Vice President, respectively, for 2024–2025.
The 11 District Directors represent the AVMA voting members and, with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term and are elected by AVMA members in the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws.
"Nora" (14 in x 11 in; oil on an oil-primed linen panel) was created by Kat Dakota in 2023.
Born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Ms. Dakota is a self-taught artist. Expression through various arts always intrigued her, and she began a career in television production. Writing, producing, and editing video content led to graphic and website design and, eventually, business ownership. Later in life, she found her passion for painting when her love of dogs launched a pet-portrait business, and she is a commissioned artist. She now pursues painting figures and landscapes that tell a story and create personal experiences for the viewer. She currently resides in Suttons Bay, Michigan.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kat.dakota.7
Instagram: @katdakota05
Pinterest: KatDakotaArt
"Blue" (19 in x 23 in; colored pencil) was created by Margi Hopkins in 2022.
Born in Boston, Ms. Hopkins was a veterinary assistant from 2001 to 2020. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Denison University and participated in training programs at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, deCordova Museum, and Massachusetts College of Art. She is a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America as well as the Society of Animal Artists. She is the director of Masterworks for Nature, a group of dedicated artists creating art for wildlife conservation. Over the last several years, she has been working on a series of portraits depicting humans with their animal companions and how they “rescue” each other. She currently lives in Clay Township, Ohio, with her husband, dog, and 3 cats.
Facebook: Pepper Portraits LLC
Website: pepperportraits.com
"Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells" (8 in x 5.5 in; Adobe Photoshop, Cinema 4D, Zbrush, Substance Painter, 3D Slicer) was created by Libby Siedell in 2024.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ms. Siedell received her BA in Biological Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University and MA in Medical and Biological Illustration from Johns Hopkins University. She currently resides in Athens, Georgia, and works as a medical illustrator for the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. In her work, she aims to communicate complicated scientific topics succinctly while focusing on accessible design and reaching learners of all backgrounds. This artwork was inspired by the cutting-edge research being done on stem cells in veterinary science. Copyright, University of Georgia.
Instagram: @lsiedell_illustration
Website: libbysiedell.com
"Peekaboo" (36 in x 36 in x 1.5 in; oils) was created by Dr. Kathy Jonokuchi in 2016.
Born in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Jonokuchi is a graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She began oil painting as a teen and studied under contemporary master artist David Gallup. After selling her veterinary practice, she found more time to spend on art as a serious hobby. Her favorite subjects are wildlife and landscapes. She currently works as a relief veterinarian, teaches for a high school veterinary assistant program, and is a veterinary technician instructor at a community college. She currently resides in Newbury Park, California.
Facebook: Kathy Jonokuchi Fine Art
Instagram: @kathyjonokuchi
Art Website: kathyjonokuchi.com
"Winner's Circle" (8 in x 10 in; colored pencils) was created by Dr. Joy Tseng in 2023.
Born in Taiwan, Dr. Tseng graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She is a board-certified specialist in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia and completed her anesthesia residency in 2019. Dr. Tseng began her art journey in 2020 as a self-taught colored pencil and ink artist and enjoys capturing “individualist details that make a portrait come to life.” She works as a commission pet portrait artist, and this artwork is based on a photograph that captures the human-animal bond that is at the heart of the veterinary profession. She currently resides in Clinton, New Jersey.
Instagram: @spiritdogsketch
"Fetch" (16 in x 20 in; water-soluble oils) was created by Dr. Ed Wolff in 2022.
Born in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, Dr. Wolff graduated from the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine and did his residency in orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University. He is now retired and an Honor Roll member of the AVMA. He is a self-taught artist, started painting at age 54, and credits his artistic influences as Matt Smith, Ralph Oberg, and Richard Schmid. His work is on display in private collections and galleries throughout the US. An accomplished wildlife photographer, Dr. Wolff’s photos have appeared in numerous publications. He has also published a book—Wolff Tails—describing the 50 plus years he spent practicing veterinary medicine. This artwork was inspired by the training and field trials he did with his dogs for many years. He currently resides in Stevensville, Montana.
"Close Encounter with a Green Sea Turtle" (3 in x 5 in; watercolors) was created by Kyra Allen in 2022.
Born in San Rafael, California, Ms. Allen is studying Integrative Biology at the University of California- Berkeley and plans to go to veterinary school. She is a self-taught artist and began drawing at an early age, inspired by the beauty of nature and animals. She is an animal advocate and environmental activist and enjoys creating art, pole vaulting, and rock climbing when not spending time with her pets. Her mother, Dr. Amy Allen, is a veterinarian.
Artwork was inspired from a photo (ID 10743288) obtained at Dreamstime.com. © Idreamphotos | Dreamstime.com
Instagram: @kyr.allen
"Whispering Secrets" (11 in x 14 in; scratchboard) was created by Megan George in 2022.
Born in Strykersville, New York, Ms. Megan George attended Alfred State College and is a registered veterinary technician working at the Roaring Fork Equine Medical Center. She grew up on a dairy farm in western New York and studied under local artist Mary Wertz. She currently resides in western Colorado, where she gets endless inspiration from local ranches and regularly sees the cows that inspired this artwork.
Instagram: @megan.george.art
Website: megangeorgeart.com
"On the Qui Vive" (6 in x 9 in; pastel pencils on white Pastelmat) was created by Dr. Kathryn Yager in 2023.
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dr. Kathryn Yager is a graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her passion for drawing started in high school, as she began sketching horses. Encouraged by family members, friends, and colleagues, she began sharing her passion of realism artwork with the local pet-loving community by drawing commissioned pet portraits. She currently works as an ER veterinarian in the North Dallas area.
This artwork was inspired by a photo at Unsplash.com.
Instagram: @kathrynyagerdvm_artwork
December 2023
Vol. 261, No. S2
"Feline Oral Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex" (8.4 x 6.5 in; Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Pixologic ZBrush, Maxon Cinema 4D, and Redshift) was created by Sofia Nashman in 2023.
Born in Hood River, Oregon, Ms. Nahman was raised in Los Angeles. While studying Marine Biology at the University of California-San Diego, she was given the opportunity to create scientific illustrations for publications. After working as a veterinary assistant, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Medical Art at the University of Dundee, Scotland. Presently, she is completing a comparative medical illustration certificate and graduate assistantship at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Through her work, she strives to not only create educational resources but to also elicit a sense of awe in the natural world. She currently resides in Athens, Georgia, with her dog, Squid. Copyright, University of Georgia.
Website: www.squidinkillustration.com
December 2023
Vol. 261, No. 12
"Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Inclusive Community Mosaic" (3 ft x 3 ft; acrylic paint) was created by various artists in 2023.
As part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's "Many Voices, One College" initiative, it was the College's goal to provide the entire community with the opportunity to share their story in a variety of platforms. The mosaic allowed faculty, staff, and students to share a visual representation of how their individual stories are part of a rich tapestry that transcends titles and hierarchy, highlighting the broad diversity of backgrounds and perspectives speaking to our humanity and creating a true sense of belonging.
November 2023
Vol. 261, No. 11
"Selfie" (16 in x 20 in; oil on canvas) was created by Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn in 2023.
Born in the Netherlands, Dr. Kirpensteijn graduated from Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Following an internship at the University of Georgia, he completed his residency training and master's degree at Kansas State University. He performed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Colorado State University, has worked at the University of Copenhagen and Utrecht University, and is a Diplomate of the ACVS and the ECVS with the title Founding Fellow in Surgical Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery of the ACVS. He has worked as Hill’s Pet Nutrition's Chief Professional Relation Officer and Chief Professional Veterinary Officer US and became Global Chief Veterinary Officer in 2022. Dr. Kirpensteijn has received the BSAVA Simon Hill's Excellence in Healthcare and WSAVA President's Awards. He started the @ArtVetNow movement on Facebook to promote veterinary artists all over the world.
Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @drjolle
Podcasts: purrpodcast.net, globalveterinarysurgery.net
“Anything Helps” (16 in x 20 in; watercolor and graphite) was created by John Keeling in 2020.
Mr. Keeling was born in Salina, Kansas, and received his BFA from the University of Kansas in 1983. After retiring as a creative director for Hallmark in 2013, he began working as a full-time watercolor artist. His award-winning work has been recognized throughout the country, garnering signature status in the Watercolor USA Honor Society. His pet portrait artwork has been featured in Watercolor Artist magazine, and he has illustrated 3 children’s books about a shelter dog named Sam, written by Annie Presley. The inspiration for this artwork came from listening to an audiobook about the bond between dogs and their homeless owners. He currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
johnkeelingpaintings.com
September 2023
Vol. 261, No. 9
At this year's House of Delegates meeting, incoming AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson shared her goals for the 2023-2024 Association year. Dr. Sandra Faeh was chosen as the 2023-2024 President-Elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Chuck Lemme as Chair and Dr. Robert Knapp as Vice Chair for the 2023-2024 Association year. Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom will continue as the Executive Vice President/CEO and Assistant Executive Vice President, respectively, for 2023-2024.
The 11 District Directors represent the AVMA voting members and, with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term and are elected by AVMA members in the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws.
"Gatekeeper" (9 in x 12 in; 0.2-mm Blackliner ink pen on paper) was created by Dr. Zach Tooley in 2023.
Dr. Tooley was born in Ladysmith, WI, and is a 2023 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a self-taught artist but comes from a family environment that enjoyed creating art. He has appreciated Western films and art since he was young, and those experiences inspired this artwork. He is influenced by artists Frederic Remington, Frank Tenney Johnson, Oleg Stavrowsky, and Teal Blake. He currently resides in Greenleaf, WI. @zach_tooley. @fur.missile.mechanic.
"Leading, Learning and Loving" (4 ft x 24 ft; acrylic paint on aluminum panels) was created by Tia Richardson in 2022.
Ms. Richardson is a full-time community mural artist based in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2003, she earned an associate degree in graphic design from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 2007, her work has evolved into collaborative efforts that offer community members a chance to freely express their feelings. She was awarded Artist of the Year by the Milwaukee Arts Board in 2018 and has completed over 60 murals in collaboration with nonprofits, schools, businesses, and local government. This artwork was commissioned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine for its Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit to increase diversity in the representation of its programs. http://www.cosmic-butterfly.com/p/welcome_9.html
"Nannizziopsis guarroi" (16 in x 12 in; Procreate ZBrush, Redshift C4D, Adobe Photoshop) was created by Jenna Foster in 2023.
Born and raised in Texas, Ms. Foster is a medical illustrator and visual artist. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Southwestern University and her Master of Science in Medical Art from the University of Dundee. She is currently working in a graduate assistantship in the Comparative Medical Illustration Certificate Program at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Her illustration practice is driven by a desire to inspire curiosity about the natural world by making science more accessible and relatable for all. She currently resides in Athens, Georgia. Copyright, University of Georgia. Instagram: @jlf_illustration. Website: www.jennalynnefoster.com.
"Over the Rise" (40 in x 30 in; oils on canvas) was created by Dr. Ian Campbell in 2020.
Dr. Campbell was born in South Africa and received his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort. He is a practicing veterinarian with an interest in surgery. He is a self-taught artist, and his influences include John Singer Sargent, Edgar Payne, Howard Terpning, Jeremy Lipking, and John Mayer. He finds that his art brings balance to the demands of advanced surgery and provides him with a creative outlet. He currently resides in Cape Town, South Africa, and the artwork was inspired by a trip to the countryside of the rural Eastern Cape. The cattle, dust, and brewing storm clouds reminded him of some of the paintings of the American West. Instagram: @iancampbellart. Facebook @iancampbellart.
"Best Friends" (24 in x 30 in; graphite pencil on Bristol) was created by Andy Mast in 2013.
Born in Columbia, Kentucky, Mr. Mast was raised around horses in southern Illinois. He is a professional Amish pencil artist with no formal training and was influenced by the Cowboy Artists of America. He found his passion for drawing at an early age-sketching late into the night under a simple lantern. An equestrian accident left him with a severe head injury, and throughout a painstaking recovery, drawing remained his sanctuary. This artwork was inspired by the relationship between the family dog and a friend's horse. The duo is "looking to the future with hope." He currently resides in Westcliffe, Colorado. www.andymastfineart.com/about
"JAVMArt Jubilee" is a collage of various artworks that have graced the JAVMA cover throughout the years.
This year marks JAVMA's golden anniversary of cover art. In the early years, most pieces came from museums or galleries. However, in later years, the cover art has been supplied by members of the veterinary community. Recently, an AVMA art committee selected its 12 favorite veterinary-created works that have appeared on the cover. Those pieces are displayed this month in a wonderful collage of animal art, and throughout 2023, a different cover from this collage will be reproduced monthly as an insert in JAVMA. Please read this month's editorial to learn more about how we are celebrating our JAVMArt Jubilee.
"Elephant in Repose" (9 in x 12 in; white, gray, and black Prisma-color pencils) was created by Dr. Michelle Smith in 2020.
Dr. Smith was born in New York City, and she received her DVM from The Ohio State University in 2011. She is a self-taught artist who is inspired by the Earth and its inhabitants. Animals are her favorite subject matter, and she uses art to appreciate and understand the natural world around her. She enjoys monochromatic drawings. Her usual work includes graphite on white paper; however, for this piece she was inspired to do a white drawing on black paper. @vetladyart
“Sullka” (20 in x 16 in; oil on linen) was created by Dr. Alec Hall in 2019.
Dr. Hall was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and obtained his DVM, MS, and PhD from Michigan State University. He worked in small animal practice, academia, and research before retirement. Upon retirement he taught adult art classes and painted artwork of wildlife and farm animals in his home studio. He raised llamas on his farm for over 2 decades and finds that their curious nature and regal bearing makes them an interesting subject to paint. The name of the llama in the artwork comes from the Quechua language of the Incas, meaning “last born son.” He became an AVMA Honor Roll member in 2019 and currently resides in Hendersonville, North Carolina with his wife and cat.
"Mrithi in the Mist" (20 in x 30 in; oil painting) was created by Gary Bergren in 2003.
Mr. Bergren was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. Influenced by his father-a sculptor of athletes-and his mother-an interior decorator-he became involved in the arts at an early age. His early career was spent in corporate work as a graphic artist, technical illustrator, and airbrush renderer. For the past 20 years, he has taught painting classes through the California Adult Education Program. His work has been displayed in galleries throughout California, and he has won several awards for his portraiture and figurative subject matter. This artwork was inspired by the male silverback mountain gorilla, Mrithi, made famous by primatologist and conservationist Dr. Dian Fossey and the movie "Gorillas in the Mist."
www.garybergren.com
December 2022
Vol. 260, No. S3
"Equine Gastric Microbiome" (13.25 in x 8.55 in; ZBrush, Maya, Procreate) was created by Joe Samson in 2022.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, Mr. Samson is a board-certified medical illustrator and animator. He received his MA in Medical and Scientific Illustration from the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at the John Hopkins School of Medicine. He currently works in the Educational Resources Center at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine and resides in Athens, Georgia.
December 2022
Vol. 260, No. 15
"Hepatic lipidosis" (18 in x 24 in; high resolution Fuji film) was created by Michael Willoughby in 2022.
Mr. Willoughby has had a distinguished career in the laboratory sector. He started as a laboratory technician and histologist in Nacogdoches, Texas while pursuing a double major in nursing and medical technology at Stephen F. Austin State University. Before and during college, he served in the Army as a combat medic. After graduation, he established a small placement firm of histologists throughout the Texas Medical Center and formed a foundation of health-care knowledge through partnerships with numerous health-care systems. He is the founder of Vet Artwork, with the mission to "create cellular artwork to advance the field of animal science, and bring remembrance to animals and pets." The artwork is an artistic depiction of a histopathologic image from a cat with hepatic lipidosis.
November 2022
Vol. 260, No. 14
“Curiosity” (10 1/2 in x 15 1/2 in; watercolors) was created by Dr. Amy Habing in 2018.
Born in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Habing received her DVM from the University of Illinois, completed her residency at Michigan State University, and is currently a radiologist at The Ohio State University. Art is a hobby for her, using it as a stress reliever and an outlet for her creativity. The artwork was a gift to her veterinarian husband, whom she resides with in Columbus, Ohio.
“Right of Way” (10 in x 14 in; oil on wood panel) was created by Dr. Paula Thomas in 2022.
Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. Thomas has had a passion for domestic animals and wildlife since her youth, and she received her DVM from the University of California-Davis. She is a self-taught artist but has been influenced by various artists, including David Shepard, Guy Coheleach, John Banovich, Bruce Lawes, Karen Lawrence-Rowe, and Carla Grace. She began oil painting 5 years ago and is pursuing a co-career as a wildlife artist and veterinarian. She hopes to showcase the diversity and beauty of our planet and to “paint endangered species as a means of preserving their beauty, strength, and spirit.” She currently resides in Escondido, California.
September 2022
Vol. 260, No. 12
At this year’s House of Delegates meeting, incoming AVMA President Lori M. Teller shared her goals for the 2022-2023 Association year. Dr. Rena Carlson was chosen as the 2022-2023 President-Elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Ronald E. Gill as Chair and Dr. Charles A. Lemme as Vice Chair for the 2022-2023 Association year. Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom will continue as the Executive Vice President/CEO and Assistant Executive Vice President, respectively, for 2022-2023.
The 11 District Directors represent the AVMA voting members and, with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term and are elected by AVMA members in the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws.
“Fallen Hero named Hondo” (11 in x 14 in; oil paint) was created by Angelica Saucedo in 2022.
Born in Houston, Ms. Saucedo is a self-taught artist. She has been drawing and painting her whole life, and she recently began teaching herself to oil paint. Animals and nature are her favorite subject matters. She graduated from Pima Medical Institute and became a licensed veterinary technician, working predominately in emergency and specialty medicine. The artwork is a memorial to Hondo, a special dog who was killed in the line of duty. He will be forever missed by many. Ms. Saucedo currently resides in Rexburg, Idaho with her husband and two children.
“A Spark of Wildlife on Ice” (23 in long x 22 in high x 12 ½ in wide; red clay, painted with acrylics on a clay base with added glass) was created by Dawn Marie Perault in 2021.
Born in Murdo, South Dakota, Ms. Perault received a BFA in Sculpture and Book Arts and an MS in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. She grew up on a cattle ranch and enjoyed caring for animals and creating them in art. She obtained her Associate in Applied Science-Veterinary Technician Degree from Argosy University and has worked in a private veterinary clinic for 15 years and devotes her free time honoring animals through personal pet portraits and sculptures. The artwork was inspired by her enjoyment of watching otters in her home state of Minnesota, where hockey reigns.
“Sleeping Thumper” (9 in x 14 in; watercolor and black ink) was created by Dr. Cynthia L. Krach in 2005.
Born in Chicago, Dr. Krach received her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin. After graduation, she moved to Hawaii and opened and operated a mixed-animal practice with her husband, Dr. Dennis Brown. Dr. Krach enjoys art as a form of stress relief and meditation. She’s had a special interest in rabbits, and the artwork was inspired by a favorite patient. Now retired, she spends her time in Hawaii as an avid amateur astronomer and astronomical artist.
“Cystoscopic-Guided Scissor Transection of an Intramural Ectopic Ureter” (8 in x 8.5 in; Savage Procreate and Adobe Photoshop) was created by Madison Christian in 2022.
Born in Houston, Texas, Ms. Christian received her BFA in Scientific Illustration from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Medical Illustration from Augusta University. She is currently a graduate assistant medical illustrator working toward a Certificate of Comparative Medical Illustration at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and her goal is to make scientific content more approachable through her illustrations, three-dimensional models, and animations. Copyright, University of Georgia.
“Moment of Bliss” (11 in x 14 in; graphite on Bristol) was created by Andy Mast in 2017.
Born in Columbia, Kentucky, Mr. Mast is a self-taught artist who was influenced by the Cowboy Artists of America at an early age. After an equestrian accident left him injured, he found drawing to be his sanctuary. He is a professional pencil artist who was raised around horses, and he expresses his love for animals through his art. The artwork was inspired by the innocence of the bond he saw between a boy and his horse. Mr. Mast currently resides in Westcliffe, Colorado.
Website: www.andymastfineart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andymastfineart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andymastfineart/
“Rocky” (14 in x 18 in; colored pencils on hot press watercolor paper) was created by Roberta Kime in 2019.
Born in Yokosuka, Japan, into a naval family, Ms. Kime was influenced by her mother, a talented charcoal artist who provided her with an endless collection of art supplies. She enjoys using animals as her art subjects, and she has worked in the veterinary field for over 25 years. She currently works as a customer service representative for an animal eyecare clinic in Gilbert, Arizona.
March 15, 2022
Vol. 260, No. 6
“Happy Eating” (9 in x 12 in; graphite, colored pencils) was created by Dr. Michelle Smith in 2019.
Born in New York City, Dr. Smith earned her veterinary degree from The Ohio State University. A self-taught artist, she uses art to appreciate and understand the natural world around her. Animals are her favorite subjects, and the artwork was inspired by the wildlife of the American West. Dr. Smith currently resides in Burbank, CA.
www.instagram.com/vetladyart/
www.facebook.com/vetladyart/
“One Jack Shy of a Full House” (24 in x 30 in; egg tempera on panel) was created by Dr. Alec Hall in 2002.
Born in Chelsea, Mass, Dr. Hall earned his veterinary degree, MS, and PhD from Michigan State University. He worked as a research veterinary pathologist and has been an AVMA Honor Roll member since 2019. Upon retirement, he taught at The Kalamazoo Institute of Art and painted in his home studio. The artwork was inspired by the bond between the burros and goats that shared a barn on the family farm. Dr. Hall currently resides in Hendersonville, NC, with his wife and cat. www.galleryflatrock.com/alec-hall-1
February 15, 2022
Vol. 260, No. 4
“Feeding Time” (15 in x 11 in; oil on canvas) was created by Dr. Ellen Codner in 2019.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Codner earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. Dr. Codner has taken numerous continuing education courses in stained glass, ceramics, and painting. The artwork was inspired by the graceful movements and beautiful colors of the goldfish in her backyard pond. Since retiring from private practice in 2018, she enjoys spending time on her artwork, bicycling, and learning Spanish. She currently resides in Danville, California.
February 1, 2022
Vol. 260, No. 3
“Copper” (11 in x 14 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Dr. Kelly Baxter in 2015.
Born and raised in California, Dr. Baxter earned her veterinary degree from UC-Davis and currently works in the Phoenix area at a small animal emergency and critical care hospital. She is a self-taught artist who is now trying to inspire the love of art, creativity, and animals in her children. The artwork was inspired by her mother’s loyal companion. She currently resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband and two children.
January 15, 2022
Vol. 260, No. S1
“Caudal Thoracic Paravertebral Block” (8.375 in x 5.5 in; Procreate and Adobe Photoshop) was created by Linden Pederson in 2021.
Ms. Pederson completed bachelor's degrees in both Scientific Illustration and Entomology from the University of Georgie and a master's degree in Medical Illustration from Augusta University. She is currently working to complete a Certificate in Comparative Medical Illustration at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Her goals is “to create impactful imagery that educates others and makes scientific concepts tangible and accessible to everyone.” Copyright, University of Georgia.
January 15, 2022
Vol. 260, No. 2
“Attitude” (9 in x 12 in; colored pencil) was created by McKenzi Davison in 2017.
Raised in Big Piney, Wyoming,Ms. Davison is a self-taught artist with a passion for the outdoors, animals, and athletics. A recent graduate from the University of Wyoming, earning a degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Ms. Davison will begin veterinary school in the fall of 2022. As an undergrad, she competed in cross country and track and worked at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. The variety of textures and colors of the rooster inspired the artwork.
January 1, 2022
Vol. 260, No. 1
“Precious” (7 in x 9 in; colored pencil) was created by Jane Wasson in 2013.
Born in Somerset, Pa, Ms. Wasson is a self-taught artist who has enjoyed drawing since childhood. Most of her artwork is done in colored pencil, but she also enjoys working with acrylics, oils, and watercolors. The artwork was created as a gift to her sister to memorialize her beloved pet. Ms. Wasson’s niece, Dr. Tracy Farone, is a practicing veterinarian and teaches biology at Grove City College. Ms. Wasson currently resides in Friedens, Pa.
December 15, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 12
“Double Dutch” (24 in x 24 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Laura K. Carey in 2015.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Ms. Carey explores various mediums in her work—glass, sculpture, jewelry, and textiles—but her primary interest is in painting animals. She is a self-taught artist, honing her skills since an early age. As a dairy farmer, her art is an extension of what she loves—animals. She specifically enjoys painting cows, and her work is beloved by collectors throughout the world. As an artist, she enjoys capturing an animal’s personality and bringing them to life.
December 1, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 11
“Ice Bear” (30 in x 30 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Dr. Ken Gorczyca in 2012.
Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Gorczyca graduated from the University of California, Davis and helped establish Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) and the Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association (now Pride Veterinary Medical Community). In 2010, he received the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year award for his human-animal bond advocacy during the AIDS pandemic. Dr. Gorczyca was introduced to painting by his maternal grandfather, sparking a lifelong passion. He has studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and UC Berkeley Extension and currently resides in San Francisco.
November 15, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 10
“Peanut and Daisy” (11 in x 14 in; colored pencil) was created by Dr. Alison Vancouver in 2016.
Born in Virginia, Dr. Vancouver graduated from Western University of Health Sciences and is a small-animal veterinarian. Art has been a lifelong hobby, and she began working on pet portraits while in veterinary school. The artwork was inspired by her friend’s horses that they enjoyed riding together in their youth. Dr. Vancouver currently resides in Chelsea, Mich.
November 1, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 9
“Three Little Pigs” (8 in x 12 in; acrylic) was created by Wanda Mumm in 1998. Raised on an Iowa farm, she has always loved animals.
Ms. Mumm has won numerous awards exhibiting at the national show level. Her art has been featured in magazines, on television, and is licensed all over the world. She’s passionate about art instruction. She is the Director of Art Education for the Susan K. Black Foundation and Montana Art Workshops and is currently the Director of the Western Art Academy curriculum at Schreiner University. She resides in Eureka, Mont.
October 15, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 8
Our 11 District Directors representative, along with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, comprise our AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term on the Board and are elected by AVMA members residing in each of the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws. Two new District Directors were recently elected. A listing of the District Directors can be found on the AVMA website at: https://www.avma.org/membership/ board-directors-and-avma-officers.
October 1, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 7
“The Boys” (12 in x 12 in; oil) was created by Clare Stratton in 2020. The piece was commissioned by Drs. Randy J. Boudrieau and Leslie L. Williams and depicts Rémy and Mr. Peabody as they keep watch.
After graduating from The University of Texas and working in business marketing, Ms. Stratton decided to pursue her true passion, painting. She has been following this calling for more than 20 years. Her subject matters include still life, landscapes, and animals—her favorite, as she has had a lifelong love of animals. She currently resides in Austin, TX with her husband and their dog Molly.
September 15, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 6
At this year's House of Delegates meeting, incoming AVMA president José V. Arce shared his goals for the 2021-2022 Association year. Dr. Lori M. Teller was chosen as the 2022-2023 President-Elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Karen M. Bradley as chair and Dr. Ronald E. Gill as vice chair for the 2022-2023 Association year. Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom will continue as the executive vice president and assistant executive vice president, respectively, for 2021-2022.
Coverage of the 2021 Annual Session of the AVMA House of Delegates and AVMA Virtual Convention 2021 begins with the September 15, 2021 issue and continues through the October 15, 2021, issue.
September 1, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 5
"Looking Back" (14 in x 11 in; soft pastels on archival sanded paper) was created by Dr. Alec Hall in 2020.
Born in Chelsea, Mass, he graduated from Michigan State Veterinary School and worked in private practice, academia, and research. Dr. Hall had art training at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, apprenticed under artist Ken Freed, and attended workshops at Beartooth School of Wildlife Art in Bozeman, Mont. Equids, especially burros and draft horses, have become favorite subjects for his paintings. He currently resides in Hendersonville, NC, with his wife Nelia and is a Signature Member of the Appalachian Pastel Society.
August 15, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 4
"Waiting for the Tortoise" (11 in x 14 in; soft pastel) was created by Roseanne Crowell in 2020.
Born in New York, Ms. Crowell is a self-taught artist working primarily in soft pastels. The artwork was a commissioned piece, as are many of her wildlife and pet portraits. She paints from reference photos with a focus on using realistic details—capturing the personality of the subject—to help bring the painting to life. She currently resides and paints in Noblesville, Ind.
August 1, 2021
Vol. 259, No. 3
"The Stylized Cat" (9" H x 3 ½" W x 2 ½" D, butternut wood carving) was created by Dr. Gerald M. Rosen in 2019.
Dr. Rosen passed away in December 2020. Born in Milwaukee, Wisc, he graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine in 1957 and established Park Pet Hospital in Milwaukee, where he practiced until his retirement in 2002. Dr. Rosen had no formal art education, but enjoyed working on pencil drawings, watercolors, and garden art—taking up wood carving late in life. He was married for 65 years and had four children. His son, David, is a veterinarian.
"Trio of Lion Fish" (10 in x 20 in; gourd sculpture on a wire-epoxy base) was created by Margaret Streams in 2018.
Mrs. Streams is a self-taught artist with a degree in Large Animal Production from Penn State University. After moving to New Mexico, she changed her focus from realistic fish carvings to gourd art, garnering numerous awards. The artwork was inspired by her "love of the natural world and the challenge of trying to make gourds into something else." She assists her husband, Dr. Dale C. Streams in his practice, Mimbres Valley Mobile Veterinary Services.
"Seventh Inning Stretch" (9 in x 12 in; acrylic) was created by Kimberly Kelly Santini in 2013.
Born in Wilmington, Del, Ms. Santini began her painting career more than 20 years ago. In 2006, she began the daily painting project www.PaintingaDogaDay.com, which she continued for 12 years. Inspired by life experiences, the artwork illustrates the joy and exuberance dogs bring to the game. Ms. Santini was honored as the official artist of the 2015 Kentucky Derby, has worked with the American Kennel Club, and has paintings in public and private collections around the world. She currently resides in Lake Orion, Mich.
June 15, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 12
"Who Cooks for You?" (6.875 in x 10 in; watercolors) was created by Celia Clark in 2018.
Raised on a dairy farm in Delhi, NY, Ms. Clark received her BFA and MFA degrees from Syracuse University. She is a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Watercolor U.S.A. Honor Society, and she exhibits nationally— garnering over 100 awards. The artwork was inspired by an encounter with a neighborly owl. Ms. Clark lives in Oneonta, NY. Her daughter Heidi Heinzerling is a large animal veterinarian, and her niece Andrea Van Buskirk is a small animal veterinarian.
"Della Rocco Sheep" (15 in x 18.75 in; watercolors) was created by Dr. Robert E. Lynk in 2013.
Dr. Lynk passed away in April 2021. Born in Sharon Springs, NY, he graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1961 and joined the Delmar Animal Hospital, remaining there his entire career. Dr. Lynk began painting in 1994. His influences were Karen Rosasco, Sherry Holmes, and Betsy Apgar Smith, and his artwork has been exhibited throughout the Albany Capitol Region. This painting captures springtime life on an upstate New York farm and was an award-winning submission at the Altamont County Fair.
"Deerfield's Finest" (9 in x 12 in; watercolors) was created by Sue McCord Helwig in 2015.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mrs. McCord Helwig is a self-taught artist and paints largely for her own enjoyment. Her interest in painting birds was inspired by seeing the John James Audubon Exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. Her daughter-inlaw, Lara Helwig, is a veterinarian working at Brown University. The artwork was inspired by a visit to the poultry barn at the Deerfield, NH fair. Mrs. McCord Helwig is retired and lives with her husband in Concord, NH.
"Stella" (11 in x 14 in; graphite pencil on Bristol board) was created by Gayle Schaeffer in 2019.
Born in New York City, Mrs. Schaeffer received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a master's degree in art therapy from George Washington University; she worked as an art therapist in Washington, DC area hospitals. A passion for drawing and portraiture led her to study under artists Robert Liberace and Ken Marlowe. The artwork, commissioned by Dr. David and Marinda Rives, depicts a rescued Golden Retriever. Mrs. Shaeffer currently lives in Raleigh, NC and is married to Jon Schaeffer, DVM, PhD.
April 15, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 8
"The Old Jersey" (24 in x 18 in; oil on board) was created by Trent Gudmundsen in 2016.
Mr. Gudmundsen is a primarily self-taught artist and was raised in Vernal, Utah, on a small hobby farm. He's been influenced by European and Russian impressionists and has been a full-time artist since 2005. Mr. Gudmundsen has always been drawn to the nostalgia of the simple life. The artwork depicts Buttercup—a Jersey cow that is one of many furry or feathered friends living on the family’s seven acres of land alongside their 130-year-old refurbished farmhouse in Preston, Idaho.
"Red Footed Honeycreeper" (12 in x 12 in; oil on canvas) was created by Dr. Ken Slossberg in 2015.
Dr. Slossberg studied at the Art Academy of San Diego. He has been painting for over 20 years and works mostly from photographs taken during his travels and everyday life. Born in Hartford, Conn, Dr. Slossberg graduated from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and currently practices at the Wrigleyville Veterinary Center in Chicago. He has been teaching oil painting for 5 years and continues to create artwork in his own distinct representational style of photorealism at his studio, "Life Painted."
March 15, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 6
"Pasture Pals" (10 in x 13 in; watercolors) was created by Dr. John M. Florence in 2019.
Dr. Florence is a self-taught artist and works primarily in watercolors. He began painting in college and recently has devoted more time to his craft. The artwork was inspired by watching two of his horses accepting a new arrival. Dr. Florence realized a childhood goal by becoming a veterinarian. He currently practices small-animal medicine at Shively Animal Clinic in Louisville. Dr. Florence enjoys playing music and is active in his church music program. He currently resides in Corydon, Ind, with his wife Vickie.
"Cats Knead a Friend" (24 in x 36 in; acrylic mixed media) was created by Dr. Laura M. Boggs in 2018.
Dr. Boggs is a self-taught artist. She graduated from St. George's University in 2012 and works as a traveling relief veterinarian. She creates her own schedule, fostering a balanced lifestyle of work and art. Dr. Boggs feels that painting allows her to reach a meditative state when completely immersed in blending the right colors on a canvas. The artwork was inspired by her dog and cat snuggling up for a nap. She currently resides in Rutherfordton, NC.
February 15, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 4
"Llama Thoughts" (10 in x 12 in; watercolor) was created by Rachel Parker in 2013.
Ms. Parker is a self-taught artist. Born in Lexington, KY, she's been painting with watercolors for over 20 years. What started as a hobby has become her full-time profession. She teaches other painters online and sells her work internationally. Ms. Parker currently resides in Columbia, SC.
February 1, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 3
"In Memory of Otis" (16 in x 20 in; watercolor) was created by Dr. Maria Reichert in 2019.
Dr. Reichert is a self-taught artist and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. The artwork was a commissioned piece. Otis was described as his owner’s best friend and constant companion; the kids all loved him, and he loved them. Dr. Reichert currently lives in Grove City, Ohio with her husband—an equine veterinarian. Now retired, she has two grown children, a rescued Aussie-Border Collie, and a Quarter Horse. She enjoys working on pet portraits.
January 15, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 2
"Budgie 41" (8 in x 5 in; watercolor) was created by Katya Minkina in 2017.
Ms. Minkina was born in Moscow, Russia where she received extensive art training throughout her childhood. Painting animals has become a primary focus of her art in recent years. She feels “a strong connection to animals and painting their portraits allows [her] to spend some slow contemplative time in their company.” The artwork was created as part of a series to honor her childhood bond to these curious, cheerful birds. Ms. Minkina currently resides in Nampa, Idaho.
January 1, 2021
Vol. 258, No. 1
"Power Trip" (60 in x 72 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Anni Crouter in 2017.
Ms. Crouter studied at the Flint Institute of Arts and was mentored by James Ames. She is a member of the Society of Animal Artists, The American Watercolor Society, Artists for Conservation, and the Northwest Watercolor Society, and is an Art Renewal Center Associate Living Master. Horses are a favorite subject for her. Her husband—Dr. Nathan Boggs, father—Dr. John Crouter, and father in-law—Dr. Greg Boggs, are all veterinarians. Ms. Crouter currently lives in Flint, Mich and teaches at the Flint Institute of Arts.
December 15, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 12
"Three Piggies" (12 in x 16 in; pastel) was created by Sandy Lindblad in 2019.
Ms. Lindblad studied at the Chicago Academy of the Arts and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her mother instilled a love of animals at an early age, and that interest has grown into a passion for "bringing pets and animals alive in paintings using creative color in an impressionistic manner." She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of the West Coast. Currently, she lives and operates Lindblad Studios in Nevada City, California and exhibits her artwork in local galleries.
December 1, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 11
"Three Amigos—Poseidon, Zeus and Hades" (12 in x 16 in; acrylic paint on canvas) was created by Rebecca Wang in 2020 as a commissioned pet portrait.
Ms. Wang is a self-taught artist, with influences in contemporary and classical art. Her love and appreciation for animals helps her to create expressive portraits using vibrant colors, and she is a licensed veterinary technician who has been working in the field since 1997. Her objective is to "allow the individual personality and spirt of each animal to shine through." Ms. Wang currently resides in Cedar Park, Tex.
November 15, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 10
"Just Ducky 2" (20 in x 16 in; acrylic paint on canvas) was created by Vivian Sathre in 2007. Her love of animals makes them one of her favorite subjects to paint. The artwork is from a series of paintings titled "Quack Grass," and it is part of a private collection.
Mrs. Sathre is a self-taught artist. Before finding her passion for painting, she wrote children's books in which she wrote from a dog's point of view. Mrs. Sathre currently resides in Tucson, Ariz with her husband and their two cats. Her sister-in-law, Dr. Karla Sathre, lives in Wisconsin.
November 1, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 9
"Australian Shepherd Agility" (4.5 in x 5 in; watercolor) was created by David J. Rogers in 2005. His love of dogs and the boundless energy of the Australian Shepherd inspired the artwork.
Mr. Rogers is self-taught, and art has influenced his life since early childhood. His philosophy is to approach each project without preconceived notions, and he has developed a vibrant and realistic style by doing what comes naturally. Mr. Rogers feels that the value of art "is the emotional connection it has with the viewer" and he hopes his work "will provide a peaceful escape for the soul." He currently resides in Morro Bay, California.
October 15, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 8
The 11 District Directors are the representatives of the AVMA voting members and, along with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term on the Board and are elected by AVMA members residing in each of the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws. Two new District Directors were recently elected. A listing of the District Directors can be found on the AVMA website.
October 1, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 7
"Beautiful Doodle Zoie" (12 in x 16 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Nancy Houston in 2020. Ms. Houston has been a portrait artist for over 15 years, and the painting was a commissioned piece.
Ms. Houston studied under artist Dennis Blalock and has been painting for over 35 years. She has worked as a surgical assistant for the past 20 years, and currently works for the Catoctin Veterinary Clinic in Thurmont, MD. Ms. Houston feels that "pet portraiture is a perfect complement to the veterinary industry." The artwork currently resides in the private collection of James K. Drew of Dryden, NY.
September 15, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 6
"Pasture Pals" (10 in x 13 in; watercolors) was created by Dr. John M. Florence in 2019.
At this year's AVMA House of Delegates virtual meeting, incoming AVMA president Douglas D. Kratt shared his goals for the 2020–2021 Association year. Also, Dr. José V. Arce was chosen as the 2020–2021 President-Elect, and Dr. Sandra A. Faeh was chosen as the 2020–2022 Vice President. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Lori M. Teller as chair and Dr. Karen M. Bradley as vice chair for the 2020–2021 Association year. Previously the board had elected Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom as the executive vice president and assistant executive vice president, respectively, for 2020–2021.
Coverage of the 2020 annual session of the AVMA House of Delegates and AVMA Virtual Convention 2020, begins with the September 15, 2020, issue and continues through the October 15, 2020, issue.
September 1, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 5
"Curly Sue" (11 in x 15 in; watercolor) was created by Laura Owart, DVM, in 2020. Based on a character in a children's book she is penning, the painting was inspired by a photograph taken by Trena Alvarez, a veterinary technician.
Dr. Owart has little formal art education but learned alongside her mother, Patricia Venema—an accomplished artist. Upon graduation, Dr. Owart worked with her father, George Venema, DVM, at Bothell Pet Hospital in Bothell, Wash and later owned a practice in Quincy, Wash. Currently, she lives in Schlierstadt, Germany and provides relief work when visiting the US.
August 15, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 4
"Milo" (6 in x 6 in; graphite pencil) was created by Grace DeHoogh in 2014. She developed a love of animals while accompanying her father, Dr. Willem DeHoogh, on veterinary calls during her youth. As she cultivated an interest in drawing in high school, animals became her favorite subject matter. The inspiration of this piece comes from a stray cat her family adopted when she was young.
Ms. DeHoogh is a self-taught artist. Born and raised in southeast Minnesota, she works as a registered nurse and continues to enjoy drawing. Dr. DeHoogh operates WD Professional Services in Adams, Minn.
August 1, 2020
Vol. 257, No. 3
"Where Two or More Are Gathered" (24 in x 18 in; acrylic on canvas) was created by Dr. Dara Askew Johns in 2019. Her inspiration came from images of the abundant wildlife along Florida’s Emerald Coast, captured by nature photographer Walt Spence.
Dr. Askew Johns was born in Anniston, AL and received her DVM from Auburn University in 1987. She is a self-taught artist and has spent 32 years practicing small animal medicine in the Florida panhandle. Dr. Askew Johns recently retired from full-time practice, and she now spends her time painting and doing relief work.
"Feeding Koi" (8 in x 10 in; pastel) was created by Dr. John Plishka in 2019. His inspiration came from the flurry of activity that resulted upon his arrival at a koi pond with food.
Dr. Plishka was born in Chicago and received his DVM from the University of Illinois in 1993. He is a self-taught artist, a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists, and a juried member of the American Academy of Equine Art. After working 25 years in clinical veterinary practice, Dr. Plishka transitioned into education, currently instructing courses at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, Wis.
"Herd" (36 in x 48 in; oil on canvas) was created by Julie Anna Freund in 2012. The artwork is part of a three-work exploration of the horses’ everyday needs: sight, movement, and socialization.
Ms. Freund was born in Orange County, NY. An alumna of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Julie graduated with a BFA in Painting, with minors in Equestrian Studies and Art History. An administrative assistant at Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital in Oconomowoc, Wis, she enjoys riding horses and creating freelance artwork in her free time.
June 15, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 12
"All in Their Woollies" (22 in x 29 in; watercolor, archival acrylic varnish) was created by Ann Balch. The artwork "speaks to the comfort of being together."
Ms. Balch is a self-taught artist, and she has enjoyed a professional art practice for over 25 years. During her early career, she was juried into the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and the Canadian Society of Artists. Her paintings are held in private collections in the US and Canada. She resides in Moncton, a city in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada.
"Harry Takes a Sniff" (10 in x 10 in; acrylic paint on gallery wrapped canvas) was created by Deborah Cullen in 2011. It was a gift to a friend's daughter in memory of her beloved guinea pig.
Ms. Cullen is a qualified art teacher in pursuance of her own art practice. She began her career painting portraits of rescue dogs she was fostering. That led her to develop her own website, which has grown into a thriving business of animal portraiture. She resides in Dunsborough, a coastal town in the South West region of Western Australia.
Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer created "Life is Good" (11 in by 14 in; oil paint on canvas) in 2018. The piece was inspired by a photograph of her 9-year-old Labrador Retriever and her son’s Yorkshire Terrier puppy basking in the sun together.
Dr. Meyer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986 and is self-taught in art. She owns and practices at the Veterinary Behavior Clinic in Gaithersburg, Md, and is a part-time associate in hospice and end-of-life care at Solace Veterinary Services in Silver Spring, Md.
"The Bee" (11 in by 14 in; oil on canvas panel) was created by Brett Mistak in 2019. It was a gift to a client of his who is a veterinarian.
Mr. Mistak received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on illustration from Carson- Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn, in 2000. He works as a Field Sales Representative for Covetrus and has previously worked as a scuba instructor and dog mushing guide. He resides in Maryville, Tenn.
April 15, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 8
"Blues Singer" (16 in by 20 in; oil on board) was painted by Dave Merrill. It was inspired by a blue jay preparing its nest in early spring, despite the remnants of a lingering winter.
Mr. Merrill was born in Payson, Utah, and grew up in a family with a rich artistic heritage. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Brigham Young University, and his work was featured in various galleries throughout his life. He passed away in 2017, but his vibrant paintings continue to beautify the world he left behind.
Dr. Xenia Zawadzkas created "Henry" (11 in by 14 in; acrylic paint on canvas) in 2018. The piece, inspired by her cousin's cat, was commissioned by her aunt as a wedding gift for its owner.
Dr. Zawadzkas graduated from the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She works as a general practitioner at Sumner Veterinary Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys painting pet portraits, teaching art at her daughters' school, knitting, baking, and gardening. She resides in Sumner, Wash, with her husband, two daughters, five chickens, and three cats.
March 15, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 6
Dr. Beau Whitaker created "Morning Light" (16 in by 12 in; graphite and colored pencil on clayboard) in 2012. The piece was inspired by photographs that his wife, Ashley, took of a beautiful mare named Cookie.
Dr. Whitaker grew up on a family farm in Tennessee. He received his bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M University. He is a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner and practices at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital. He resides in Salado, Tex.
This issue's cover artist, Laura Airey Le, created "Pastel Highway" (9 in by 12 in; colored pencil on paper) in 2016. The piece was inspired by the beautiful unique morph of a ball python.
Ms. Le was born in Colorado and is a graduate of Red Rocks Community College. She works as a dental technician and spends every bit of free time she has creating art; she is constantly influenced and inspired by nature. She resides in Lakewood, Colo.
February 15, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 4
"Max and Ginger" (11 in by 14 in; watercolor on paper), was painted by Kelly Fordham in 2017. It was a commissioned piece given as a gift to the dogs' owners.
Ms. Fordham majored in art at University of California–Santa Cruz. She has worked as the hospital manager at Flagler Animal Hospital in Flagler Beach, Fla, for 18 years. She donates a portion of the proceeds for her art to Canine Companions for Independence. She resides in Ormond Beach, Fla, with her Labrador Retriever, Woody.
February 1, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 3
"On The Prowl" (12 in by 16 in; colored pencil and acrylic paint on archival paper) was created by Carla Kurt. The piece was based on a photograph she accessed on Pixabay; she was inspired by her love for all animals and her appreciation of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Ms. Kurt has bachelor's degrees in art and computer graphics. She began to love nature while growing up on a farm in Iowa, surrounded by cornfields and cattle. Her art appears in private collections across the United States and internationally. She resides in Northern Illinois.
January 15, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 2
CJ Brown created "Shorthorns in Illinois" (20 in by 20 in; watercolor paint on watercolor board) in 2009. The piece was originally created for a national show of the American Junior Shorthorn Association.
Ms. Brown has an art degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She grew up in rural Illinois, where she developed a deep passion for the people, animals, and landscape. She is a leading livestock illustrator in the beef industry and in 2008 was inducted into the Honorary Angus Foundation. She resides on her family farm in Lindenwood, Ill.
January 1, 2020
Vol. 256, No. 1
This issue's cover art, "Auodad" (35 in by 44 in; watercolor on paper), was painted by Dr. M. Scott Echols in 2003. It was inspired by a calm, confident Barbary sheep in nature.
Dr. Echols is a practicing boardcertified avian specialist at Echols Veterinary Service, a researcher, and an adjunct professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. His artwork focuses on animals in natural settings and has been featured in multiple magazines and in galleries spanning numerous countries. He resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
December 15, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 12
This issue's cover art, "Duncan" (9 in by 12 in; acrylic on canvas), was created by Joel Reimnitz. It was inspired by his daughter's friendly and curious black-eyed white ferret.
Mr. Reimnitz is mainly selftaught in art and has always found sketching to be a great way to remember things in detail and to be grounded in the present moment. He practiced anesthesiology for 34 years in San Jose, Calif. His daughter, Dr. Lauren von Stade, is a practicing veterinarian in Fort Collins, Colo, and her husband, Dr. Devin von Stade, is a veterinary resident at Colorado State University.
December 1, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 11
This issue's cover art, titled "Gussie" (21 in by 15 in; pastel drawing on paper), was created by Dr. Catherine Williams in 2015. The piece was inspired by her long-haired tabby cat.
Dr. Williams graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 and has taken many art courses at various universities. She is the owner of and sole practitioner at Mahomet Animal Hospital in Mahomet, Ill. She has been married to Dr. David Williams, a veterinary internist, for 38 years, and they are expecting their first grandchild.
November 15, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 10
"Young Peregrines" (25.75 in by 19.75 in; hand-colored lithograph) was created by Tony Angell. The piece was inspired by the calmness and youth of a pair of resting peregrine falcons.
Mr. Angell is self-taught in art. He has illustrated and coauthored many books, including most recently "The House of Owls," which reached The New York Times Best Sellers list. His artwork can be found in many public collections including the Tacoma Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle Aquarium. His cousin, Dr. Jenaay Brown, has practiced veterinary medicine for 40 years.
November 1, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 9
Johanne Mangi painted "Windblown Charlie" (14 in by 18 in; oil on linen) in 2016. The dog depicted in the piece was a live model for a workshop she taught.
Ms. Mangi has been drawing all her life; in the last 10 years, she has expanded her focus to painting and teaching. Her influences include 19th- and early 20th–century British animal artists as well as her mentors, Sherrie McGraw and David Leffel. She is a member of many painting groups, including The Putney Painters, established by Richard Schmid. She resides in North Haven, Conn, with her many dogs.
October 15, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 8
The 11 District Directors are the representatives of the AVMA voting members and, along with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term on the Board and are elected by AVMA members residing in each of the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws. Two new District Directors were recently elected. A listing of the District Directors can be found on the AVMA website.
October 1, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 7
Dr. Julia Steinke created "American Bullfrog" (24 in by 24 in; oil paint on canvas) in 2014. The piece was inspired by a photo she took while kayaking outside of Boulder Junction, Wis.
Dr. Steinke graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 2015. She is an associate practitioner at Banfield Pet Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. She enjoys painting with watercolor and oil paints on her days off and is a member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild. She lives with her supportive husband, Jonathon Cox, in Vail, Ariz.
September 15, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 6
At this year's AVMA House of Delegates regular annual session, incoming AVMA president Dr. John A. Howe shared his goals for the 2019-2020 Association year. Also, Dr. Douglas D. Kratt was chosen as the 2019-2020 president-elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Rena K. Carlson as chair and Dr. Lori M. Teller as vice chair for the 2019-2020 Association year. Previously the board had elected Drs. Janet D. Donlin and David E. Granstrom as the executive vice president and assistant executive vice president, respectively, for 2019-2020.
Coverage of the 2019 annual session of the AVMA House of Delegates and AVMA Convention 2019, held in Washington, DC, begins with the September 15 issue and continues through the November 1 issue.
September 1, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 5
Donna Roper Doyle painted "Sunset" (24 in by 30 in; oil paint on stretched canvas) in 2017. The piece was inspired by the peace and tranquility of a family of horses resting in the late afternoon sun.
Ms. Roper Doyle received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and then pursued a career in graphic design. Horses have always been her passion, both in her art and in riding. She resides in Richmond, Va, and is a juried member of the American Academy of Equine Art in Lexington, Ky.
August 15, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 4
This issue's cover art, "A Seagull" (14 in by 18 in; charcoal on paper), was drawn by Dr. Bruce Tarkington and is in the private collection of Julia Baughman of Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Tarkington graduated from the North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. After owning and operating a small animal hospital for 27 years, he retired and began drawing coastal scenes for personal collections and public exhibits. He feels lucky and blessed for the opportunities he has gotten in the art world. He resides in Cary, NC.
August 1, 2019
Vol. 255, No. 3
This issue's cover artist, Bob Coonts, created "Pepa" (22 in by 30 in; watercolor on paper) in 2008. The piece was inspired by a photograph taken of Pepa the cat; the colorful window and shades as well as the blanket were imagined through what the artist describes as his style of abstract realism or imaginary realism.
Mr. Coonts received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University in 1963. He worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for 31 years. He currently resides in Fort Collins, Colo.
"The Bandage" (7 in by 5.5 in by 9 in; bass wood), was carved by Dr. Steve Swaim, who was inspired by his experience with teaching wound management and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Swaim graduated from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. He practiced in Wichita, Kan, for nine months before serving in the US Army Veterinary Corps. He received the title of Professor Emeritus at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine after teaching there for 38 years. He now resides on his family farm in Geuda Springs, Kan.
Dr. Janet Smith created "Savuti Zebras" (20 in by 30 in; watercolor and water pencils on white watercolor paper) in 2009. The piece is based on a photo taken in Botswana by her teacher and friend, Dr. Rhea Morgan.
Dr. Smith graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry and from the University of Tennessee with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine; she practiced as a veterinarian until an illness required retirement. She is largely self-taught in art and focuses mainly on horses and small animals. She resides in Rockwood, Tenn.
June 15, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 12
Dr. James Lawless created "Love at First Sight" (16 in by 20 in; oil on linen) in 2014. The piece was inspired by his daughter's Golden Retriever, Shea.
Dr. Lawless graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. He and his wife sold their practice, Cornwall Veterinary Hospital, in 2003 to focus on his painting, but he continues to practice at various hospitals in southeastern New York and Massachusetts. He is self-taught in art and is a Signature Artist Member of the American Society of Marine Artists. He currently resides in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.
Dr. Lauren Butare-Smith created "Dee Dee" (9 in by 12 in; watercolor on paper) in 2012. The piece was inspired by her in-laws' late beloved yellowcrowned Amazon parrot.
Dr. Butare-Smith graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Formerly a small animal emergency veterinarian, she was disabled for over a decade by a Bartonella infection. She has recovered after years of treatment but no longer practices veterinary medicine; she now pursues art as her second career, having found it very therapeutic during her illness. She resides in Durham, NC.
Brenda Behr painted "Ruler of the Roost" (24 in by 18 in; oil on canvas) in 2015. A customer requested a painting for his city apartment; upon visiting and taking photos of his country estate, Ms. Behr was inspired by the interior of the chicken house.
Ms. Behr received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University. She specializes in portraits of people, pets, homes, and weddings. She currently resides in Goldsboro, NC.
Sam Dolman painted "Chin Up" (20 in by 20 in; oil on canvas) in 2010. Like most of his work, it was inspired by the personality of animals; he wanted to express a certain comical element he sees in pigs.
Mr. Dolman found his true calling of art after briefly pursuing a career in accountancy. He moved to Spain and began painting regularly and continued his art upon returning to England. Cows, because of their intelligence and curious nature, are his favorite animals to paint. He resides in Sheffield, England.
April 15, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 8
This issue's cover artist, Vivienne Bellisario, created "Abby" (48 in by 36 in; oil on canvas) in 2014. The piece was inspired by her beloved sweet purebred English Labrador Retriever and was submitted for consideration for the JAVMA cover by her veterinarian, Dr. Bonnie Franklin.
Ms. Bellisario is mostly self-taught in art, with some instruction from portrait artists such as Jeremy Lipking, Julia Diller, and Valori Fussell. She also attended the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney, Australia for a semester. She resides in Montecito, Calif.
"Highly Selective" (8 in by 14 in; oil on canvas) was painted by Paul Krapf. Like much of his art, it was inspired by the scenery and wildlife at his home studio in Montana.
Mr. Krapf began painting at age 10. He attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh from 1946 to 1948. He painted in his spare time while raising his family and working as an electrical designer for 30 years. In 1980, he left his job with NASA to become a full-time artist, with the support of his wife, Fonda.
March 15, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 6
"Star Belties" (9 in by 12 in; oil on canvas), was painted by Robert C. Rigsby Jr. The piece was inspired by scenes at Fearrington Village, NC.
Dr. Rigsby passed away in February of 2018. He was a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and he owned and practiced at the Goldsboro Veterinary Hospital for 29 years. He was always interested in art as a tool with which to escape the rigor of veterinary medicine. His wife, Dr. Kirby Harriss Rigsby, practices at the Animal Hospital of Lenoir County in LaGrange, NC.
This issue's cover art, titled "At Peace" (20 in by 24 in; pastel on sanded paper), was painted by Nancy Colby. It was inspired by her late cat, Dusty; she created this portrait of him in his beloved sunshine so his beauty could live on.
Ms. Colby is a self-taught artist and has a well-deserved reputation for painting cats. She teaches at the Venice and North Port Art Centers. She is a member of the International Society of Feline Artists and a supporter of many animal rescue groups. She resides in North Point, Fla.
February 15, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 4
James Sardonis created "Shilo: Howling Beagle" (bronze statue, cast by Campbell Plaster & Iron foundry; 78 in by 72 in by 30 in) in 2018. The statue was commissioned by Dr. Mark and Mendy Helfat and donated to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, in honor of their Beagle Shilo and Dr. Helfat's dog-loving parents, Lucile and Bernard Helfat.
Mr. Sardonis began his study and practice of sculpture at Phillips Exeter Academy in the late 1960s. He then majored in studio art and art history at Oberlin College, where he graduated in 1973. He resides in Randolph, Vt.
February 1, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 3
Jocelyn Urban painted "Jackson Horses" (102 in by 90 in; oil on canvas) with inspiration from wild horses in the United States, which she believes are iconic symbols of the nation.
Mrs. Urban received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Skidmore College and her Master of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from University of Massachusetts– Amherst. She has specialized in portraits of horses and dogs for the past 35 years. Her husband, Dr. Richard B. Urban is a veterinarian, and they reside in Georgetown, Conn.
January 15, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 2
This issue's cover artist, Britty Pointer, created "Cyrus and Dash, Best Friends" (8 in by 10 in; oil on canvas) in 2017. The piece was based on the scene of Ms. Pointer’s grandson, Cyrus, and his dog, Dash, running on a beautiful autumn morning in Savannah. She was inspired by the connection and extraordinary love between humans and animals.
Ms. Pointer was a teacher in Mississippi for 30 years and now lives in Columbia, SC, with her four cats. Her daughter, Dr. Emmy Pointer, works as a veterinary internist in Savannah, Ga.
January 1, 2019
Vol. 254, No. 1
This issue's cover artist, Tilly Strauss, created "Picky, Pecky Hen" (12 in by 9 in; sewn paper encaustic painting) by experimenting with different materials. She sewed together scraps of drawn paper and covered the piece in pigment and wax.
Ms. Strauss is an artist living in Miami, Fla. When she was a child, art became her way of communicating because she grew up overseas and could not speak the language of her classmates. Her father, Dr. Julian M. Strauss, and sister, Dr. Suzannah Strauss, are both veterinarians.
December 15, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 12
Terry Isaac painted "Rocky Trails" (24 in by 30.75 in; acrylic on board). The piece was inspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the grace and power of the mountain goats that live there.
Mr. Isaac has been a professional artist for over 30 years and draws his inspiration from observing nature. His art influences include Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, and Robert Bateman. He is known for his attention to detail in painting magical moments created by the dramatic light nature provides. He resides in Penticton, Canada.
December 1, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 11
This issue's cover art is entitled "Myka" (8 in by 10 in; scratchboard). It was created by Dr. Jennifer Gockowski and inspired by a client’s wife’s beloved Siberian Husky.
Dr. Gockowski received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2005. During her fourth year of veterinary school, Drs. Robert Hardie and Bill Gengler urged her to study medical illustration after graduation. Since then, she has created illustrations for surgical procedures, biochemical companies, and two children’s coloring books for the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Assocation. She lives in Woodbury, Minn.
November 15, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 10
"Autumn's Gold" (26 in by 20.75 in; oil paint), was created by Bonnie Mohr. It features rolling Pennsylvania hills colored with all the bright orange, gold, red, and green that autumn offers. The changing foliage highlights the beautiful Guernsey cows grazing in front of the red covered bridge. The Pennsylvania Guernsey Association commissioned this piece for their 2000 National Convention.
Mrs. Mohr is the wife of a dairy farmer and a mother of five. She is a self-taught artist and is well known across the country for her detailed paintings of rural scenery. She lives with her family near Glencoe, Minn.
© Bonnie Mohr Studio.
November 1, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 9
"A Toy for Two" (14 in by 20 in; oil on canvas) was painted by Dr. Elodie Huguet. The two Cairn Terriers depicted in the piece, Nehemiah and Obadiah, belong to her residency mentor, Dr. Clifford "Kip" Berry.
Dr. Huguet was born in a small town in the French Alps. She moved to the United States in 2001, continuing to nurture her art interests and skills as well as starting her veterinary education. She graduated from The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She currently works at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas and resides in Cary, NC.
October 15, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 8
"The Witching Hour" (11 in by 14 in; oil on canvas board), was painted by Dr. Ellen Codner. It depicts her beloved cat Jonathan at dusk, when she says the feline soul changes from sleepy house cat to wild hunter.
Dr. Codner has no formal artistic training but has dabbled in many forms. She graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976 and is board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology. She opened her own specialty practice in veterinary dermatology in Danville, Calif. She retired this year and enjoys having time for painting, riding her bike, and learning Spanish.
October 1, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 7
The 11 District Directors are the representatives of the AVMA voting members and, along with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term on the Board and are elected by AVMA members residing in each of the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws. Two new District Directors were recently elected. A listing of the District Directors can be found on the AVMA website.
September 15, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 6
"Toucan" (5 in by 7 in; golden acrylics on stretched canvas panel) was painted in 2015 by Dr. Bridget Tobleman. The inspiration for the painting was a photograph taken by Rose De Dan.
Dr. Tobleman graduated from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and was residency trained in critical care at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists. Although largely self-taught in art, she gives significant credit to J. Allen Fitzpatrick and Ron A. Cheek, the Chair of Visual Arts at The Lawrenceville school and the Director of the Texas Academy of Figurative Art, respectively. She now resides in Dallas, Tex, working as a staff criticalist at MedVet Dallas.
September 1, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 5
At this year's AVMA House of Delegates regular annual session, incoming AVMA president Dr. John H. de Jong shared his goals for the 2018–2019 Association year. Also, Dr. John A. Howe was chosen as the 2018–2019 president-elect. The AVMA Board of Directors elected Dr. Gary S. Brown as chair and Dr. Rena K. Carlson as its vice chair for the 2018–2019 Association year. Previously the board had elected Drs. Janet D. Donlin, Arnold L. Goldman, and David E. Granstrom as the executive vice president, treasurer, and assistant executive vice president, respectively, for 2018–2019.
Coverage of the 2018 annual session of the AVMA House of Delegates and AVMA Convention 2018, held in Denver, begins with the September 1 issue and continues through the October 1 issue.
August 15, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 4
Kandi Thompson created "And Babies Make Three" (30 in by 22 in; watercolors) with inspiration from the interaction between a sheep and her two lambs.
Whether she's painting flowers, animals, or portraits, Ms. Thompson sees art as a spiritual and magical event. She likes her subjects to have a lot of bright light and shadows, as she thinks this adds more drama, mystery, and dimension to the work. She has won numerous awards locally, nationally, and internationally. Ms. Thompson was born in Illinois but now resides in the Sacramento area of California.
August 1, 2018
Vol. 253, No. 3
"Rita" (11 in by 17 in; charcoal highlighted with chalk on paper), was created by Dr. Owen Fink. The piece was inspired by the dog of Fink’s friend and mentor, Adrienne Bentley.
Dr. Fink is a small animal surgeon at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Rockville, Md. He has no formal art education but has taken several continuing education classes, including some at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, Pa. He is a serial hobbyist with a passion for sewing, drawing, music, 3-D printing, and general tinkering. He currently resides in Potomac, Md.
This issue's cover art is entitled "That's the Spot" (30 in by 30 cm; colored pencil). Created by Kate Simpson, the piece was inspired by the quirky behavior and cheeky personality of young horses.
After Ms. Simpson received her foundation degree from Newcastle College, she studied Motion Graphics and Animation at Northumbria University, where she was awarded First Class Honors. In 2014, she was shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. Ms. Simpson finds most of her artistic inspiration in horses and the countrysides of England's most beautiful counties.
"Mama Goose" (18 in by 24 in; soil on board overpainted with acrylics), was created by Paul Ford. The piece was inspired by his one-year stay on a small farm in Kansas during his preteen years, where he loved caring for a young farm menagerie.
Mr. Ford received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from San Diego State University and his Master of Arts in Secondary Education degree from University of Nevada-Reno. He was an artist and art educator for over 30 years in northern Nevada. He received the Nevada Governor’s Art Award for Excellence in Art Education in 2005. He is now happily retired and living in Sonoma, Calif.
June 15, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 12
This issue's cover art, "Saturday" (28 in by 30 in; oil on canvas), was painted by Carol Tinga. The painting was created from an enlargement of a photograph she took of a koi pond in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ms. Tinga has a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), and began pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Epidemiology this year. In addition to freelance editing, she is a writing tutor at OVC and acts as a simulated client with the OVC Medical Communications Program. Ms. Tinga has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the University of Guelph. She is fascinated by animals, people, and creativity and self-expression. She currently resides in Guelph, Canada.
"Barney the Barn Cat" (9.5 in by 13.5 in; pastels on velour) is in the private collection of Dr. Clark and Rita Fobian and was created by Dr. Robert R. Billiar in 2006 with inspiration from a frightened yet photogenic stray kitten.
Dr. Billiar has no formal art training but has always liked to draw. He was the medical illustrator for the anatomy department of Iowa State University, where he was awarded his DVM degree in 1958. He lives in South Sioux City, Neb, where he previously practiced small animal medicine for 57 years.
"Golden Retriever Dog" (9 in by 12 in; watercolor on paper) is Teresa Silvestri's rendering of a friend's elderly pet dog. The gray in the animal's fur and its "soulful eyes" touched the artist emotionally and reminded her of the unconditional love a pet can give us.
Teresa Silvestri’s watercolors are inspired by her love of all animals. A self-taught artist, she is probably best known for her paintings that feature rescued rabbits. Silvestri’s artwork hangs in private collections around the world and the permanent collection of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.
"Zombado" (30 in by 48 in; water-soluble oils on gallery wrapped canvas) was painted by Sarah Richter. The piece was commissioned by Staci Grattan, and the subject is her Lusitano, Zombado do Vouga.
Mrs. Richter is a self-taught artist; she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Music and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Her art is inspired by her childhood, when she lived on a ranch with horses, and her study of equestrianism. Her father-in-law, Dr. Phillip J. Richter, who has practiced veterinary medicine for 30 years, shares her love of horses and suggested she submit her work to the JAVMA. Mrs. Richter currently resides in San Marcos, Calif.
April 15, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 8
John N. Agnew created "Is It Safe Yet?" (8 in by 10 in; scratchboard) in 2012 with inspiration from a Greek tortoise among Roman ruins in Turkey.
Mr. Agnew is an artist of natural history. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati's School of Design, Art, and Architecture in 1976. He then began his career as an illustrator and designer for museum exhibits, branching out into fine art concentrating on wildlife and landscapes. In January 2015, John was designated a "Master Scratchboard Artist" by the International Society of Scratchboard Artists. He currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Joan M. Krocian painted "All in the Family" (20 in by 29 in; watercolor on paper). The piece was inspired by her love for animals. She showcased this piece to Dr. James Lawless of the Animal Hospital of Wappingers Falls in New York; he was very impressed and suggested it be submitted for publication on the cover of the JAVMA.
Mrs. Krocian is a self-taught artist who loves animals and all things involved in nature. She has been painting for over 50 years. Mrs. Krocian currently resides with her husband, Jack, in Hopewell Junction, NY.
March 15, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 6
"Archie & Norman" (22 in by 22 in; oil paint on board), was painted by Margaret Rice. The subjects of the piece are two Whippets, Archie and Norman, belonging to Dr. and Mrs. R. Wayne Randolph; the painting is in their private collection.
Margaret Rice received a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in Printmaking from Louisiana State University. Her art has been influenced by the work of George Stubbs, John Emms, James Reynolds, and Andre Pater. Ms. Rice paints mostly pet portraits and commissions of dogs, cats, and horses. She currently resides in Baton Rouge, La.
The 11 District Directors are the representatives of the AVMA voting members and, along with the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, and Treasurer, make up the AVMA Board of Directors. District Directors serve a 6-year term on the Board and are elected by AVMA members residing in each of the 11 geographic districts defined in the Bylaws. To find out more about the District Directors, go to the AVMA Leadership page on the AVMA website.
February 15, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 4
This issue's cover art, "Lawn Mowers" (12 in by 12 in; oil on linen), was painted by Kathleen Dunphy. It was inspired by 9 goats that she acquired in 2014 for brush control of her property in the rural foothills of the Sierras. With their white coats and interesting antics, the goats quickly became a great source of entertainment and subject matter for paintings and drawings.
Ms. Dunphy attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In 2003, she designed and built her own studio. She was recognized as one of the Top Ten Emerging Artists in 1998 by American Artist Magazine. Ms. Dunphy currently resides in Murphys, Calif.
February 1, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 3
"Purr" (30 in by 30 in; oil on canvas) was painted by Brian Commerford. He created this piece because he wanted to express unconditional love and the ability to enjoy good fortune without being bound.
Mr. Commerford received his Bachelor degree in Art Studio from Sonoma State University in 1972. His greatest influence has been the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. His ultimate artistic goal is to capture the spirit or soul quality of the animal, not just a likeness. His wife, Katie, works as a bookkeeper at Smith Veterinary Hospital, located in Santa Fe, NM, where they live along with their two outrageously spoiled Pomeranians.
January 15, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 2
Dr. Nancy Coleman painted "Waiting for Doc" (11 in by 14 in; acrylic paint on canvas) with inspiration from a photo of Lucy, a Maltese who belonged to Dr. Edwin Nordan, her clinic associate. Lucy had gotten into some mischief and was pouting after being exiled to Dr. Nordan's office, and Dr. Coleman snapped a photo of the adorable scene.
Dr. Coleman is a graduate of Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She worked in mixed practice for 30 years with Dr. Nordan in Greenville, Miss. She is mainly self-taught in art, with help from a few non-credit workshops. She is now retired in Glen Allan, Miss, and does historical research, plays the pipe organ, and keeps in touch with former coworkers, clients, and patients.
January 1, 2018
Vol. 252, No. 1
"Pair of Pelicans" (7 in by 10 in; watercolor on paper), was painted by Katherine Klimitas. It was a Mother's Day gift for her mom, Dr. Adriana Segrara, who owns Natural Pet Care in Metairie, La. Ms. Klimitas's late father was also a veterinarian.
Ms. Klimitas is a New Orleans–based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor painting at age 10. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design from Loyola University in 2011. As the daughter of two veterinarians, she enjoys expressing her family's lifelong love of animals through her meticulous, lifelike paintings. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa, and currently resides in Metairie, La, where she runs her home business, KAK ART & Designs.
