Frogs hop onto the island’s art scene

Thirty-six frog sculptures have been sponsored by islanders, and placed in the crafty hands of local artists. They will now be on display throughout downtown Winslow, as well as at locations across the island.

By Richard D. Oxley • June 30, 2013 10:00 am
Karya Schanilec works on a frog sculpture for the Madison Avenue House using photos
Karya Schanilec works on a frog sculpture for the Madison Avenue House using photos

One-by-one they will begin hopping onto the island, showing up at various Bainbridge locales. The frogs are coming to town.

What started as a fundraiser for the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association has leaped into an island-wide art project. Thirty-six frog sculptures have been sponsored by islanders, and placed in the crafty hands of local artists. They will now be on display throughout downtown Winslow, as well as at locations across the island.

“I’m so happy that the frog project has reached into so many parts of our community and involves so many artists and friends of downtown,” said Karin Lehotsky, organizer of the project.

“I am looking forward to seeing the excitement grow as the finished frogs arrive around the island to their various homes,” she said.

One such sculpture was completed for the Madison House on Friday, June 21 by islander Karya Schanilec. The artist graduated from Bainbridge High School and is currently in her second year studying art at Willamette University in Salem.

Schanilec’s grandmother is a resident of the Madison House. The artist collected photos, letters and other memorable items provided by residents and incorporated them into a collage plastered across the frog.

Her sculpture will be unveiled, along with the rest of the frogs, in July.

A selection of the frogs will initially be put on display on July 3 in the Winslow Mall. Another series of sculptures will also be featured in the Grand Old Fourth of July Parade.

And finally, the frogs will be in place along Winslow and ready for viewing on July 5 for the First Friday arts walk.

A frog sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Review will also be on display at the Colman Dock ferry terminal.

The frogs will be up for viewing for approximately one year. They will then be auctioned off to benefit the downtown association.

Lehotsky believes they will be quite a draw.

“From the sneak peeks that I’ve seen, I think we are all going to be blown away by the amazing art on these frogs,” she said.

 

Where are the frogs?

Downtown: A majority of the frogs will be on display along Winslow Way and Madison Avenue from the marina district to the aquatic center.

Other locations: Pleasant Beach Village, Hazel Creek Montessori School, Saint Barnabas Church, Hyla Middle School, Ace Hardware.

View a map of the frogs at www.frogsontherock.org.