Local Artist Paints Mural as Tribute to RUSVM
(RUSVM) Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is now the proud home to a mural painted by renowned local artist, Rosey Cameron. Cameron, who has lived and worked in St. Kitts and Nevis for more than thirty years, painted the mural as a thank you to RUSVM for the veterinary educational scholarship that her son, Ninian Cameron-Blake, received. Cameron-Blake, a national of St. Kitts, is pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at RUSVM and is currently in his final semester of his clinical rotations at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, U.S. As part of fulfilling his academic requirements, he must complete three semesters of clinical training at an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school of veterinary medicine in the United States completing a series of clinical rotations.
As part of its long-term partnership with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, RUSVM provides up to four full scholarships each year to local national. Qualifying local students follow a veterinary medical degree or another degree program offered through the DeVry family of institutions.
Cameron explained the motivation behind her painting of the mural. “I was looking for a way to say thank you to RUSVM for the fantastic opportunity that was afforded Ninian,” said Cameron. “It’s truly an amazing education that he is receiving. Opportunities like this do not come along every day and Ninian has always dreamt of becoming a veterinarian. It is so rewarding to be able to do something to demonstrate my appreciation to RUSVM.”
The mural, located on the walls between two large classrooms on the RUSVM campus, depicts a tropical island scene with ocean, trees and animals typically found in St. Kitts. “It is my hope that the images and colors of the mural evoke calming and uplifting sensations in those who walk by,” said Cameron.
So far the student response has been positive and many of them enjoy seeing the playful monkey sitting atop the exit sign in the hallway.
“The support from the entire RUSVM community has been terrific,” observed Cameron. “The students in particular have already begun expressing their appreciation for the artwork.”
Cameron has truly captured the charm and beauty of island life in this mural. Her work, which has been exhibited at various galleries in Europe and the U.S. and in private collections around the world, now has a permanent home at RUSVM where she hopes it will continue to raise the spirits of students for years to come.