A Ballad of Art Shows
and Snakes

On February 9, the American Animal Hospital held an art show, which highlighted paintings done by Erin Culligan’s Drawing and Painting classes. Twenty-two students chose to donate their art of various dogs, cats, and other animals to the veterinarian clinic to be displayed as decoration, furnishing the clinic with a piece of the community. 

The American Animal Hospital is a family owned and operated clinic, located at 1230 South Commercial Street in Neenah. According to their website, their staff work tirelessly; fulfilling their goal to “empower pet parents” and give the “highest quality care to their cat, kitten, dog, or puppy.”

This was not Culligan’s first time organizing an art show at a vet clinic. 

“We did something similar last spring at my vet called the Wellness Vet,” Culligan said.  “And it went very well so I thought we could try a different vet to spread the love.” 

Culligan was able to coordinate the art show at the American Animal Hospital with one of her students, Shayla Borchardt, who worked at the clinic and offered to help organize the event.

The art show provided a great opportunity for students to get their art displayed to the public, as well as a way to contribute to building community. 

“I thought the difference in everyone’s pieces was really cool to see,” said Izzy Godden, a junior.

David Arriaga, a senior who gave a painting of a dog, said, “I thought it was pretty cool to know that my art was up. It’s kind of scary knowing that people could judge it, but nonetheless it was something I’m proud of.”

Many students were nervous to put their art out into the public, worried about others' perceptions. 

Izzy Godden, who also gave a painting to the clinic, shared her sentiment on it. “Sometimes I have trouble feeling confident about my art, but having people be able to look at it and tell me it was amazing really made me feel good.”

Maggie Dessart, a sophomore who also had her art on display, said that it felt “rewarding” to show it to people and have the chance to have conversations with other adults and students about the art. Overall it proved to be a new experience that allowed students to feel comfortable and proud of their art.

Not only did many students attend the event to have a good time, but others from the community also visited the art show. Heather Zimmerman, MHS Literacy Coach, and Matt Zimmerman, MHS Superintendent, stopped in the art show to see the artwork.

"I loved seeing all the artwork being displayed by our students in public for everyone to see,"  said Heather Zimmerman, MHS Literacy Coach.  "Though I was not prepared when I entered the animal hospital to see a REAL snake out and about."

A great surprise to all who visited the art exhibit, animals of all shapes and sizes were found roaming the clinic; ranging anywhere from hairless cats to pythons! Employees at the clinic decided to put their own spin on the show, bringing in their own pets from home. Everyone who visited the show had the amazing chance to interact with these animals, as well as seeing the animals interact with each other. 

Maggie remarks about how “the most interesting thing [she] saw was the hairless cats roaming around with the turtles,” a sight that the average person most likely will never see. 

The night ended up being a great success for both the students of MHS and the American Animal Art show, as they came together to support art and the community!

An acknowledgement the students who participated: Jetzy Ayala, David Arriaga, Shayla Borchardt, Dakota Bowers, Ruby Brown, Emily Busch, Gerardo Cobarrubio Mendoza, Maggie Dessart, Izzy Flores, Esmerelda Ferrel Bustamante, Anahi Frias Munoz, Henry Gugala, Izzy Godden, Andi Haag, Belle Hoppe, Cecilia Juarez, Samanthat Koch, Abi Medina, Whitney Poehnelt, Jayla Ruleau, Kaoyer Xiong, and John Yang

by Rylee Kosiec

February 22, 2024

The Jay's News Nest