College Avenue Campus Frog undergoes ribbet-ing transformation
Over the past year, a dedicated team of individuals has been working to restore the College Avenue Frog to its former glory. It is now ready to once again be enjoyed by generations to come!
One of the most popular public sculptures in Regina, the Frog was created by beloved Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard (1942 – 2019) in collaboration with his art class (Margaret Anderson, Louise Blashill, Anna DeCelles, Cathy Ellis, Borghild Keith, Joan Kot, Wendee Kubik, June Mayhew, Ann Noble [McKay], and Margaret Patterson) in 1971.
The amphibian was an homage to the influential Funk artist, David Gilhooly (1943 – 2013), who radically rethought the possibilities of clay. Gilhooly’s Frog World series explored cultural figures, ancient civilizations and even food through a surreal, satirical world of his creation. Both Fafard and Gilhooly were art instructors at the U of R (formerly University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus).
After more than 50 years of keeping watch over the University of Regina’s College Avenue Campus, the sculpture was suffering exterior deterioration. Thanks to a generous donation from Gordon and Leslie Diamond, the rehabilitation process was able to begin. Once ECO Levelling Ltd. provided the concrete foundation that the sculpture rests on, work on the Frog itself got underway.
Phillip Tremblay led a team of talented artists (including Frans Lotz and Jay Kimball) through the meticulous restoration. Ruth Chambers and Darcy Zink from the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance also provided input and expertise. In addition, Joe Fafard’s wife, Alyce Hamon provided much-valued guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the entire restoration process.
“The College Avenue Campus Frog is more than a work of art – it is a cultural icon in Regina. It has served as a generational touchstone for so many in our city – bringing back memories of time spent on campus, and in the park with friends and family,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina at the unveiling event. “As an artwork, it has achieved what every artist hopes for – to create meaningful connections with the people who encounter it. The Frog certainly has done that for more than five decades, and thanks to this refurbishment, will continue to do so for decades to come.”
Dr. Jeff Keshen and Alex King, Curator/Preparator for the President's Art Collection are available for interviews through the contact noted.
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Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
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