Exhibition at Health Sciences Center Pylons
August 2025 - May 2026
[Painting at left by Jeffrey Mauger]
West Virginia University (WVU) Art in the Libraries, in collaboration with the WVU Health Sciences Center and Neal Museum of Health Sciences, is proud to present this exhibit in memory of Dr. Arthur I. Jacknowitz, a cherished and longtime professor in the WVU School of Pharmacy. Dr. Jacknowitz, known widely as Dr. J, believed in the transformative power of the arts as a catalyst to bring balance and inspiration to the lives of busy healthcare professionals and students alike. This exhibit showcases works* by Dr. John Mauger and Mr. Jeffrey Mauger—artists whom Dr. J knew personally and whose friendship he valued. The exhibit stands as a testament to Dr. J’s legacy, celebrating the powerful intersection of art, healing, and professional life.
The exhibit space, within the Pylons, provides a bridge from the health sciences complex to the broader university community. In addition to the Mauger works hanging on the “Art Wall”, two original artworks by the artists are in the Neal Museum of the Health Sciences display cases. They are displayed alongside several examples of Jacknowitz memorabilia. Across from this display, is a curated history of the WVU Pharmacy program, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the arts and the sciences at WVU.
Dr. John Mauger, a former WVU colleague and close Jacknowitz friend, brings over 30 years of experience as a watercolorist. His delicate and transparent works reflect his rural upbringing and the traditions of English watercolor painting. John’s professional legacy in pharmacy education and research is matched by his artistic contributions, creating a balanced and thoughtful reflection on both career and creative life. His son, Jeffrey Mauger, a multidisciplinary artist with a background in fine art, architecture, and landscape design, complements this legacy with his innovative approach to form and material. Jeffrey’s work explores spatial relationships and structural aesthetics, blending technical precision with expressive creativity.
The opportunity to showcase this father-son collection in the Pylons space holds special significance for the Mauger family, as John and Art Jacknowitz shared not only a professional bond but also a shared commitment to fostering creativity within the pharmacy community. This exhibition stands as a testament to their friendship and shared vision—an acknowledgment that art and science are not separate worlds, but interconnected expressions of human experience. We are grateful to Linda Jacknowitz for her support and her belief in the importance of integrating the arts into the health sciences community. Through this exhibition, WVU Libraries seeks to honor Art Jacknowitz’s legacy while encouraging visitors to engage with the art as a source for their own reflection, connection, and healing.
*The artworks displayed on this wall are life-sized reproductions of the original paintings by John Mauger and Jeffrey Mauger, printed with permission and framed by Appalachian Gallery with WVU Art in the Libraries for this special presentation. This approach ensures the preservation of the original pieces, safeguarding them from potential damage in the hallway.