April 17, 2003

$100,000 art auction makes bright smiles at VCU Dental School

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By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

here are lots of big smiles at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry after tallying up the proceeds from an art auction of watercolors by Dr. Baxter Perkinson, noted landscape artist and rector of the VCU Board of Visitors. More than $100,000 was raised for the capital campaign to fund simulation laboratories at the school.

VCU Rector Dr. Baxter Perkinson, second from left, is thanked for his generous contributions by Dental School Dean Dr. Ronald Hunt, left, Executive Associate Dean Dr. James Revere, right, and Dr. Frank Crist of Lynchburg.
VCU Rector Dr. Baxter Perkinson, second from left, is thanked for his generous contributions by Dental School Dean Dr. Ronald Hunt, left, Executive Associate Dean Dr. James Revere, right, and Dr. Frank Crist of Lynchburg.

Dr. Perkinson, a 1970 graduate of the VCU School of Dentistry and founder of Virginia's largest dental practice, is renowned for his dental reconstruction and implantology. However, it is his notoriety as an artist that benefited the School of Dentistry. Dr. Baxter donated 50 original paintings for the auction. More than 200 people bid on his works, carrying home watercolors with a distinctive Virginia theme - beaches, mountains, rivers and wildlife.

"Dr. Perkinson has been overwhelming in his support of the VCU School of Dentistry and the capital campaign," said Dr. Ronald J. Hunt, dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. "His contribution will go a long way to providing the kind of technology that is necessary to improve our educational programs and better prepare tomorrow's dentists."

Elizabeth Gay looks at some of the 50 original paintings donated by Dr. Perkinson for the VCU Dental School Art Auction. Photos by Joe Mahoney
Elizabeth Gay looks at some of the 50 original paintings donated by Dr. Perkinson for the VCU Dental School Art Auction. Photos by Joe Mahoney

The auction of Dr. Perkinson's art provided a major contribution to the $4 million campaign to renovate the dental school's preclinical laboratories and surrounding areas. More than 4,500 square feet will be dedicated to a simulation laboratory that will include 100 simulation stations. Each station will be equipped with a mannequin, air/water syringe, suction, high and low speed handpieces, dental light, networked computer stations and high-speed Internet access. A nearby space will house 20 virtual reality tooth preparation training units, available to students 24 hours a day. Another 4,000 square-foot area will be home to a new state-of-the-art multi-use conference facility for large group lectures, small group seminars or continuing education classes.

"Simulation laboratories and virtual reality allow dental students to gain experience with simulated patients, easing the transition from laboratory to clinic," said Dr. James. H. Revere, executive associate dean, VCU School of Dentistry. "This is another way we will be able to enhance the preclinical education experience."

With the proceeds from the auction of Dr. Perkinson's art, a total of $1.4 million has been raised in gifts and pledges for the campaign. The art auction was held March 21 at the Virginia Crossings Resort and Conference Center, Glen Allen, Va.