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Iditarod Memories is a celebration of beloved musher-artist Jon Van Zyle's years of annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race posters. This 40th anniversary nostalgic collection includes Jon's first 40 years of Iditarod posters, and, published for the first time ever, 40 years of limited edition lithographs. With stories written by his wife, Jona Van Zyle, each poster and print has many themes--encounters with

wolves, treacherous frozen river, and blinding blizzards; the bond between mushers and dogs, village checkpoints, the role of women, the support of volunteers including the veterinarians and the Iditarod Air Force, and finally the thrill of crossing the finish line in Nome.

Although born in Ohio, Jona Van Zyle has always been an Alaskan at heart, and a full time resident since 1998. Her longtime love of wildlife and sled dogs has greatly influenced all the facets of her art life.

With over 30 years experience working with huskies, she has written and illustrated many articles about dog history and training for such publications as Mushing Magazine. Jona's art background includes studies at Kent State University, The Cleveland Institute of Art, and a year in Arizona apprenticed to architect Paolo Soleri.

Jona lives near Eagle River with her husband Jon and their kennel of happy huskies.

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 the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. In 2004 he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame. With his wife Jona Van Zyle, musher, writer, and artist, Jon's career continues.

A prolific artist, he produces numerous paintings a year for one man exhibitions in the United States as well as Europe. Illustrating at least two children's books a year since 1993 for prestigious publishers has earned him a reputation with a younger audience as well as many awards for his children's art. His limited edition prints and posters sell out regularly with well over 300 editions in the last 30-plus years.