Art on the range
Retired surgeon takes on new operation: his own art gallery
by Elizabeth Jones Wolf

Jay Davenport, a former orthopedic surgeon who practiced for nearly 30 years in Minnesota's Iron Range, used to decorate the hallways of his offices with his own watercolor paintings. When patients were told that the framed works were Davenport originals, many would joke that he might have missed his true calling.

Born in America
From Black and White to Color
by Angie Riebe

VIRGINIA - One hundred years ago, their faces were captured in black and white - a Navajo boy about 12 years old, a Native American woman and child, a Sioux tribal leader from the Midwestern plains.

Their faces have come alive once again, this time in color.

Artist Jay Davenport of Great Scott Township is responsible for the transformation.

From doctor to artist all in one
by Cathy Braun

MOUNTAIN IRON - It is not a long way from the operating room to the art studio for Jay Davenport, his passions have served him well in both fields.

"I considered it a great honor to care (as an orthopedic surgeon) for people," Davenport said. "I felt like an art student all my life and now I am ready to be a professional."

Davenport's gallery is the culmination of a dream

Jay Davenport greets visitors to his new art gallery much like he did less than a decade ago, when he wore a white coat and the initials M.D. followed his name.

Back then, patients got a firm handshake, good eye contact and a warm smile. Framed original watercolors depicting Minnesota scenes as well as exotic landscapes adorned the hallways leading to patient rooms, where Dr. Davenport would listen and diagnose.