GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A winning ArtPrize piece is currently on display at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The "Wounded Warrior Dogs Project and K-9 War Stories," created by James Mellick of Ohio, tells the true stories of military K-9 teams.
Each wood carving is filled with detail and symbolism from different American wars.
Mellick isn't a veteran himself, but wanted to raise awareness through images of man's best friend. He says the display has helped service members and their families heal.
"These have taken on a life of their own beyond what I had expected of them," said Mellick, "there have been families that have told me they have not had this emotional experience since they had visited the Vietnam wall. And it really means a lot to me to be compared to that monument in any way."
The exhibition won the public vote during ArtPrize 2016, and Mellick has been expanding it ever since.
He spent more than a year on the project, and up to 200 hours on each wood carving.
It will remain on display until May 10.
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