Public invited to free program, exhibit opening for ‘Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions’
The public is invited to a free program and exhibit opening of hand-carved military canine sculptures in honor of veterans’ sacrifices on Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.
“Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” features the signature wood forms of Ohio artist James Mellick, who will give a talk during the event about his sculptures and their meaning.
The event begins at 6 p.m. in the museum. The schedule is:
- 6 p.m. — Doors open, and guests gather in the museum auditorium. Light refreshments will be served.
- 6:30 to 7 p.m. — James Mellick gives a presentation about his work in the auditorium.
- 7 to 7:30 p.m. — Visitors can view the exhibit in the museum rotunda.
Due to space capacity, attendance is limited to 50, and advance RSVPs are required. RSVP to Meghan Wonderly-Kolbe at 419-332-2081, ext. 237, by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.
“Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” honors the sacrifices of veterans and the special bonds they have with their canine service counterparts. Each of the nine dogs in the installation represents a different military campaign, as well as the injuries that their human counterparts endure.
“President Hayes viewed his military service as a defining event in his life and would spend his later years advocating for the rights of veterans,” said Julie Mayle, Hayes Presidential curator of manuscripts. “Leading by his example, Hayes Presidential continues to honor our nation’s veterans. We are excited to have Spiegel Grove as the backdrop for these unique works of art and for the community to experience them firsthand.”
Mellick created the installation to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by veterans and their current needs. The sculptures are both humbling and healing, representing a special bond between the soldiers and canines. 
To this end, the display of these sculptures is for the purpose of:
- Opening dialogue and encouraging psychological healing for veterans and families
- Calling attention to the ongoing needs of physically and psychologically wounded veterans through our bond and connection with our faithful canine companions
- Bringing attention to the service and heroism of the military working dog
The beauty and craftsmanship of the exhibition is not intended to ignore the intensity or suffering of war. Mellick’s intent is to emphasize the nobility of those who sacrificed life, limb and spirit in service to their country.
James Mellick’s career as an artist has been divided between the art market and the university. In 1973, he earned his master of fine arts degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a major in painting, a minor in sculpture and extensive work in printmaking.
After the Oct. 1 special event, access to “Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” will be included with regular admission. Hayes Presidential members are admitted for free. The exhibit will remain on display through Saturday, Oct. 31.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Art & Kate Doust Charitable Fund.
“Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” is part of Hayes Presidential’s programing for America’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, being celebrated throughout 2026.
Partial funding for America 250 events is provided by Albrechta & Liebold, Ltd., Attorneys at Law.
Hayes Presidential is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner of the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove on Buckland Avenue.
For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like Hayes Presidential on Facebook and follow on Instagram at rbhayespres and on Bluesky at rbhayespres.bsky.social.