International Exhibition on Animals in Art returns after six years

The International Exhibition on Animals in Art ran for 28 years before it went on hiatus in 2017 because of building renovations and then the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine is inviting artists to submit entries for the show, which is coming back this fall.

The juror and judge for this year’s exhibition is Leslie Koptcho, a professor at the LSU College of Art & Design. Her prints and bookworks are included in 35 permanent collections worldwide. She has served on the board of directors for the Southern Graphics Council and the American Print Alliance.

The show is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. Pieces must depict an animal. All media are eligible with the exception of video, installation, and audio works.

The maximum size for an entry is 60 inches by 60 inches by 48 inches. Each applicant may submit a maximum of three works. A nonrefundable fee of $20 for the first work of art entered plus $15 per each additional entry must be paid online.

All work must be priced for sale. A 20% commission will be taken on all sales. Proceeds benefit programs and projects of the veterinary school. Past shows have provided funds for the veterinary library and the Wildlife Hospital.

June 30 is the application deadline for entries and fees. Acceptance letters will be emailed to artists during the week of Aug. 1. Sept. 16 is the deadline for receipt of accepted entries. The exhibition runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1 in the veterinary library.

Artists may submit applications here.

Numerous artworks from previous exhibitions have been featured on the covers of JAVMA, a tradition started in 1996 by Dr. Janis Audin, then editor-in-chief, and anticipated to continue with Dr. Lisa Fortier, the current editor-in-chief.