Horses, dogs and zebras are among many animals residing in the School of Veterinary Medicine Library until April 25.The veterinary school’s 23rd annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art held its opening reception Saturday at 6 p.m., which was open to the public and served as a fundraiser.”The community aspect is more important to me than the fundraising aspect,” said Christine Mitchell, Vet School library director.The best-in-show recipient receives $1,000, and the five judges’ award recipients receive $100. The 10 honorable mentions and the people’s choice award do not receive monetary compensation. All of the pieces were displayed with a selling price, and 20 percent of the revenue will go toward various Vet School projects yet to be determined.”In the past, money has been given to special projects,” Mitchell said.Some of the revenue this year may go toward re-designing the consultation room, Mitchell said.”The consultation room is where families put their pets to sleep, and it needs to be as warm and comfortable as possible,” Mitchell said.More than 200 artists from 36 states, Canada and Poland submitted 477 pieces and 75 were selected, according to the Vet School’s Web site.”Only two veterinary students submitted entries, and neither of them were selected,” Mitchell said.But it is rare to find a college-aged artist in the show, Mitchell said.”Most artists are not under 25 years old,” Mitchell said.The local artist who won best in show last year has three pieces in this year’s exhibition.She said she is honored to have a spot in the competition.”The first time I entered the contest, I thought it was only local, but then I saw artists from all around the country in the show,” said Margaret Rice, local artist and University alumna. Rice said she promotes the exhibit to the community.”All of my friends come to the show … I tell a lot of people about it because I don’t think the community is well informed,” Rice said.Everett Besch, founding dean of the Vet School, proposed the idea to the librarian at the time, and she developed it, Mitchell said. 
 
—-Contact Mallory Logan at [email protected]