Breaking the chain of indiscriminate breeding

Ridgeback Trust, Inc was started in 1998 to promote the well being of purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization our mission is to prevent the indiscriminant breeding of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. We help at-risk Ridgebacks from many sources including pet shops, private owners, estate sales and commercial breeders. Dogs purchased by RTI are placed into the care of rescue organizations for needed veterinary care including neutering, fostering and placement into permanent homes as loving family pets. Over the past 8 years we have saved over 500 Rhodesian Ridgebacks from the chains of indiscriminate breeding. As an all-volunteer organization we depend on the generosity of individual donors and sales of our exclusive merchandise.

Marilyn Marschat-Rhodes is such an artist.

She is a professional artist who has specialized in wildlife and waterfowl art since 1964 and is recognized nationally and internationally in that sphere. Marilyn is also an avid dog-person, having owned, trained and shown since her pre-teen years. She obtained her first Rhodesian Ridgeback in 1965 and has not been without one since. Inevitably, the love of dogs and the talent to create eventually came together and have accounted for the majority of her efforts in recent years. She has been a member of R.R.C.U.S. Inc. since the early '70s and has served on their Board of Directors and the Standards Committee.

Having received private tutoring in art from an early age, she feels that while training is a prerequisite, successful portrayals must come from an intimate knowledge of the subject through much study. Her work reflects many years of observation, study and an innate intense appreciation of the beauty of the animal world. Marilyn shows realism in form and detail yet leaves an impressionistic aura - a looseness which adds the sensitivity of unrestricted freedom of motion - the spirit of being.

She has been a supporter and contributor to Ducks Unlimited and Mzuri Safari Foundation. Several of her pieces are in or willed to museums.

Private commissions have spoken for the majority of her works.

Statistically, Marilyn was born in the summer of '42 in a farm house in the Camas Valley of Idaho. She is of Czechoslovakian descent. Her husband, Daniel Paul Rhodes, is a descendant of Sir Cecil Rhodes of Rhodesian history. They live in the fertile Willamette Valley of Oregon with two Rhodesian Ridgebacks and three cats.

Marilyn's Ridgeback artwork is not available in galleries or through a broker, but is obtainable only from the artist.*

The fact that Marilyn's art is available for purchase is not a means in itself, but rather a serendipitous result of her love of her dogs and a desire and ability to capture their beauty.

*via Ridgeback Trust Inc.

All Rights Reserved © marilyn murphy 2003