Special exhibit ‘Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions’ to be open throughout October
A moving exhibit of hand-carved military canine sculptures honoring veterans’ sacrifices will be displayed throughout October at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums as part of the institution’s America 250 celebration.
“Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” features the signature wood forms of Ohio artist James Mellick, whose works pay tribute to the special bonds veterans have with their canine service counterparts. Each of the nine dogs in the installation represents a diff
erent 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.”
“Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions” will be open from Friday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 31, in the museum rotunda. It is included with regular admission. Hayes Presidential members are admitted for free. 
There will be a special exhibit opening event and program that is free to the public. Space is limited, and RSVPs are required. For details and to RSVP, click here.
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.
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.
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.