Carving Stories of Sacrifice: The Art and Legacy of James (Dan) Mellick
Published: March 13, 2025
Author: Liz Dowell
James (Dan) Mellick, a 1969 graduate of Greenville University (formerly Greenville College), has spent decades using his artistic talent to tell stories that the public might otherwise have forgotten.
A sculptor specializing in woodwork, James has gained national recognition for his moving sculptures honoring military working dogs and their handlers—art that speaks not only to patriotism but also to the deep, emotional bond between soldiers and their canine counterparts.
A FOUNDATION IN FAITH AND ART
Growing up in Wellington, Ohio, James followed his older brother's footsteps to Greenville College, where he graduated with double majors in arts and sociology.
However, in 1965, he encountered Paul Wolber, the college’s art professor, who inspired him to change course and major in art. That decision laid the foundation for a career dedicated to storytelling through sculpture, a medium that would later allow him to depict powerful narratives of courage and sacrifice.
“I was part of that first generation in my family to go to college,” James recalled. “Greenville’s liberal arts education gave me a broad perspective and the ability to engage in deeper philosophical conversations—something that shaped my artistic journey.”
After his time at Greenville, James pursued graduate studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, earning an MFA in painting. His career as an educator took him to various institutions, including Cedarville University, where he established a sculpture program.
A SCULPTING TRIBUTE TO WARRIORS
James's journey into wood sculpture began in the 1970s, but in 2014—after retiring from Cedarville—he felt a divine calling to use his talent to honor wounded veterans. Witnessing the challenges faced by soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, many with life-altering injuries, James saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. Rather than sculpting human figures, he turned to an allegorical representation—military working dogs.
“The military working dog is a soldier’s best friend and partner,” James explained. “Each one is responsible for saving countless lives, and they embody the same loyalty, courage, and sacrifice as their handlers.”
His series, The Wounded Warrior Dogs Project, features intricately carved wooden sculptures of dogs that have served in combat. Some bear injuries or prosthetics to symbolize the sacrifices of their human counterparts. Each piece tells a story—stories that have moved audiences to tears.
At the 2016 ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, James’s Wounded Warrior Dogs exhibit won the Public Vote Grand Prize, drawing widespread recognition. The deeply emotional reactions from veterans, dog handlers, and art enthusiasts affirmed the project’s impact.
“People were hugging me, crying veterans who had never spoken about their experiences were opening up,” James shared. “It showed me the power of art in healing.”
HONORING THE FALLEN, INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Over the years, James has expanded his collection to include Canine War Stories, featuring sculptures of real military working dogs and their handlers. One of his most poignant pieces is a tribute to a handler who died by suicide—a stark reminder of the mental toll of military service.
Despite selling his original Wounded Warrior Dogs collection to a private collector, James continues to create new works.
He is now financially able to give back to veterans, nonprofit organizations and the community.
“One of the things we do now is fund a local faith-based organization that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them as companion animals for veterans with PTSD,” James said.
The funds he is raising from his show at the Mohican Lodge in Perrysville, Ohio a portion of that will be donated back to the Veteran Companion Animal Services out of Delaware, Ohio who are dedicated to bringing rescue animals to veterans in need.
ADVICE TO GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
For aspiring artists, James offers advice grounded in faith and perseverance. "If God has given you the talent, it will find a way to come out," he said. "Stay true to your passion, be wary of trends, and never compromise your values. Just like truth in faith, truth in art will always stand the test of time."
James's latest exhibit will be on display at the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina, from September through February. As he continues to carve out stories of bravery and devotion, his work stands as a testament to the enduring bond between warriors—human and canine—and the power of art to preserve their legacies.
