Whimsical copper frogs invade MUSC's campus

All the recent rain in Charleston of late, that isn’t the reason the frogs are visiting. Copper frog sculptures have popped up in various areas of campus, and the story behind them is absolutely “ribbeting.”

Charles Smith, renowned Charleston artist, had long thought MUSC would be a great place to exhibit his frogs. “There is a good spirit at MUSC. It’s the type of place the frogs would relate well to. It’s an open campus, with lots of activity. My delight comes from making the art for the people, so how could MUSC not be the prime location to display the artwork that is meant to bring joy to all who see it?” Smith said.

Currently, he has four frogs on campus: one at the entrance of the hospital, two in the amphitheater and another across from the Urban Farm. He hopes to add a few more pieces to his exhibition - perhaps totaling as many as 10 scattered around campus. He’d even love to see them up in trees like he has at his personal studio on John’s Island.

He worked closely with Daryl Bonnette, Robin Smith and Nate Dubosh of the Facilities-Grounds Department to find just the right spots to display his charming pieces. The placement of these whimsical amphibians was very important to Smith and the grounds team.

Dubosh thinks it’s the humor and joy of a frog that appeal to people - especially the surprise of coming upon one as they walk around campus.

“We have always wanted to add art and sculpture to campus in different areas. We were always aware of the frogs in Charleston; they are Charleston icons. They just bring joy to people, and that’s what we want to bring to our patients. It helps in the healing process.”

Smith said his main goal in exhibiting his frogs is to bring pleasure not only to patients but to employees as well. Bonnette added that MUSC is Smith’s gallery, and seeing the frogs gives pleasure and they make her smile. “I am happy they are here,” Bonnette said.

Smith has been creating these frog sculptures for the past 25 years. He did not initially have frogs in mind as sculptural pieces, as he was creating copper sculptures of abstract human figures at the time. It all started, he said, when a retired diplomat asked him to create some small frogs for him and his wife.

“You know there are people who collect frogs. Little frogs, big frogs. They kept asking me to make a frog for them. I’m sure they were expecting something like other little frogs, and here I come up with something this size,” he said, laughing and motioning to a way bigger creation.

Out of that request came the first frog of many to occupy the Charleston area.

“I had no idea that they would ever be as commercially desirable as they are,” he said.

Fortunately for the Charleston community, Smith continues to create pieces, with the help of his two sons, Beau and Zan, that bring joy to all who come upon them.  That includes MUSC, which will be enjoying the presence of the frogs for the foreseeable future.