The image

sketch_frame = Frame(self.parent)
sketch_frame.pack(side='left', padx=2, pady=2)

gifpic = os.path.join(os.environ['scripting'],
                      'src','gui','figs','simviz2.xfig.t.gif')

self.sketch = PhotoImage(file=gifpic)
# (images must be tied to a global or class variable!)

Label(sketch_frame,image=self.sketch).pack(side='top',pady=20)