Editorial: May 16, 2025

The American Kennel Club has announced that entries for the second annual AKC National Art Contest are now open. This year’s theme is “dog shows.” Contestants are asked to interpret dog shows through several media, including paintings, drawings and mixed media. Ages for contestants are five to 18 years of age. Four finalists will be selected from four different age groups, and the winning artwork will be displayed at the AKC Museum of the Dog. Entries close September 29, 2025. For further information, contact AKC public education at publiced@akc.org. It reminds us of the wonderful art produced by school-aged children that is displayed at the Houston cluster dog shows.

But after decades of collecting dog art, sometimes a piece created by a friend or acquaintance comes along that strikes you, and it winds up framed and hanging on one of your walls next to more valuable art. They hang side by side with artists more well known but equally cherished and enjoyed. Looking around, the photographs, paintings, bronzes and ceramics that the adorn special places in my home include photos taken by the late Mr. German Shepherd fancier and  judge Sam Lawrence and his wife Marion Lawrence,  Afghan Hound breeder-judge Terry Chacon, the late Kerry Blue fancier and judge Bert Torrey, Afghan Hound fancier Richie Furrer, retired handler and photographer Perry Phillips, Skye Terrier breeder Janice Simmonds, Poodle breeders and photographers Leslie Simis and Vicky Holloway, the late photographer Evelyn Schafer, photographer Billy Gilbert, photographer John Ashbey, bronzes by the late handler and judge Ric Chashoudian, retired handler Eddie Boyes, judge Elliott Weiss, Irish Water Spaniel breeder and photographer Kathy Darling, Afghan Hound breeder Sunny Shay, Afghan Hound breeder and judge Kay Finch, Afghan Hound breeder and judge Lee Canalizo, Denis Springer, Dorothy Hardcastle, Basset Hound fancier Heidi Martin, Pomeranian breeder Vikki Oelerich, the late Dachshund breeder Peggy Westphal, and the late Afghan Hound breeder and judge Mary Nelson Stephenson. All the above — who were slightly over 18 years of age and involved in our world of purebred dogs — had artistic talent that was appreciated, and consequently works done by them are either hanging, or displayed and sitting on a tabletop somewhere in the house. They bring back wonderful memories, and reminds us of those who are no longer with us of their friendship and times spent together.

There is something unique when you know the artist whose work you own graces your home. They may not be Picassos or Van Goghs or other bold-face-name artists, but they represent your life — and how can you replace that? Creating art is not just for the young: It’s ageless.