About the Artist:
Art is his life in Alaska, and all of Alaska has been his inspiration. Artist Jon Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska in a much more unique way than most can ever hope to experience. Jon has twice completed the 1049 miles of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome. From these adventures he has created the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. In 1979 he was made Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today.

His acrylic paintings go beyond the race, though, and encompass much of Alaska's beauty. Jon's reputation as a storyteller through his art is further enhanced by his originals, prints, posters, and stone lithographs. Dog teams, landscapes, wildlife and Alaskan faces from Native to newcomer, portray an intimacy with the land and its people. He touches on history with studies of Alaska pioneers and Native traditions and lore recording the Alaskan spirit. Public acceptance of his shared feeling through his art has been his greatest reward.