Animals in Art | LSU Vet Med

Overview

The International Exhibition on Animals in Art began in 1987 and highlights the importance of animals in the lives of people and the planet.

Animals in Art pieces must depict an animal (fish and insects are considered animals for the purposes of this exhibition). This judged and juried show is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All media with the exception of video, installation, and audio works are eligible. Works must be original. All artwork must be priced and available for sale, as LSU Vet Med charges a 20 percent commission on all sales to support our artist-in-residence program.

Contacts

Alexa Boudreaux, Dean's Logistics and Events Manager

Ginger Guttner, Assistant Director of Communications

vetmed@lsu.edu  

Gentle Keeper, painting of a water bird

"Gentle Keeper," alcohol ink and 24k details, by Claudia Benton, which received the 2025 Animals in Art and People's Choice Awards.  

RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ART SHOWSubmit Entries: DEADLINE JULY 22, 2026VIEW THE 2025 SHOW ONLINE

 

Opening Reception

Saturday, October 10, 2026

4:30 to 6:30 PM

LSU Vet Med Library

A portion of art sales go to support LSU Vet Med programs and projects.

Exhibition

Runs through November 6, 2026

  • Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

LSU Vet Med Library

A portion of art sales go to support LSU Vet Med programs and projects. If you'd like to purchase a piece of art, please contact Ginger Guttner or Alexa Boudreaux at vetmed@lsu.edu. 

Eligibility

Animals in Art pieces must depict an animal (fish and insects are considered animals for the purposes of this exhibition). Any work that is determined not to meet the spirit of the exhibit will not be accepted.

Open to all artists 18 years of age or older. All media with the exception of video, installation, and audio works are eligible. Works must be original. All artwork must be priced and available for sale. Maximum size of entry is 60”x60”x48”. Any accepted artwork that differs from the digital image will be disqualified. Each applicant may submit a maximum of three works.

Fees

A non-refundable fee of $25 for the first work of art entered (plus $20 per each additional entry, up to a maximum of 3 entries) must be paid online via CaFE. If you need to speak to someone regarding payment, please contact Alexa Boudreaux, coordinator, at 225-578-9900 or vetmed@lsu.edu.

Sales

All work submitted must be priced and for sale. A 20 percent commission will be taken on all sales. All proceeds benefit LSU Vet Med programs and projects. Past shows have provided funds for the LSU Vet Med library and our Wildlife Hospital, which provides free medical care for wildlife cases.

Dates

July 15, 2026: Application deadline for entries and fees

Week of August 15, 2026: Acceptance letters emailed to artists

September 18, 2026: Deadline for receipt of accepted entries

October 10, 2026: Opening Reception

November 6, 2026: Exhibition closes

Accepted Entries

All artists will be notified by email of the decision of the juror. All two-dimensional entries must be suitably framed, wired for hanging, and in stable condition. All art must be ready for display as appropriate to the medium. LSU Vet Med staff are not responsible for assembling art. If a piece requires assembly, it is the responsibility of the artist to provide someone to do so.

Shipping instructions will be included with your notification of acceptance.

Judge and Juror

TBD

Awards

  • Best of Show
  • Judge's Awards (3)
  • Honorable Mentions (3)
  • People's Choice
  • JAVMA Award (one piece is selected to be on the cover of an issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association)
  • LSU Vet Med Award (one piece to promote the Animals in Art exhibition for the next year)

Liability

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine will not be responsible for any damage, loss, or deterioration of art while in transit to or from the School. Upon arrival, each piece will be unpacked and inspected for damage. The exhibition is held in the School’s library that is staffed during regular business hours.

SubmitEntries