Medical illustration is a visual profession with a rich history of artistic excellence. As a profession, we have a tradition of sharing our craft with each other and with students. Through the years, David J. Mascaro collected many outstanding and unique works of art by some of the best artists in both medical and commercial illustration. Max Brödel, Elizabeth Brödel, Gerald Hodge, Bob Demarest, Keith Kasnot, Rebekah Dodson, Russell Drake, Tom Jones, Stephen Gilbert, John Karapelou, Arthur Lidov, Paul Peck, Elizabeth Roselius, Will Sheperd and Bill Westwood are but a few of the artists represented in the collection. David collected not to indulge some personal whim, but to better share with his students his deep appreciation and respect for the craft of illustration.
A gallery that educates, inspires, and motivates—what better learning environment can we provide for the future of our profession? It became our aim to build upon David’s core collection and establish a permanent teaching gallery. In the spring of 2000, the program began a campaign to acquire original artworks from our alumni, the hundreds of talented and dedicated professionals who have earned degrees in medical illustration from our university. This teaching gallery serves our students, faculty, and alumni as an essential educational resource, a wellspring of inspiration, and a challenge to always strive for excellence.
"Musculature of the Back" by David J. Mascaro, rendered in watercolor, 3/4 life-size.
"Study of the Back" (after David) by David J. Mascaro, rendered in opaque watercolor.
The David J. Mascaro Teaching Gallery was formally dedicated August 16, 2000. With the ceremony we recognized the value of art in the service of medicine. With the formal naming of the gallery we honored the collector. David made this gallery possible. We thank him sincerely for his passion for medical illustration, his talent for teaching, and his pursuit of artistic excellence.
We wish to gratefully acknowledge generous donations from Kip Carter, Frank Corl, Harry A. Germagian, Nancy Gordon, John V. Hagen, Lewis J. Hinely, Jr., EdD, Joel Ito, Myrna Caban Reyes, Kevin A. Somerville, William Welsh, MD, and William Winn. We are very appreciative of all who donated for the ongoing maintenance of the gallery.
Exposure to a diversity of styles and techniques is important to a well-rounded artistic education. For this reason, we are also soliciting artworks from all professional medical illustrators, regardless of degree or alma mater. We would be honored if we could include your work in the gallery. Our students would truly appreciate being able to learn from your example. If you would like to make a donation please contact Bill Andrews at 706/721-3266 or at bandrews@augusta.edu.
The David J. Mascaro Teaching Gallery can be found in the Department of Medical Illustration, located on the first floor of the Pavilion III building, on the Health Sciences Campus of Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Please contact us to arrange a tour.
