Terry Thirion, artist and creator of Disappearing Frogs Project, originated the project in 2013 to bring attention to the catastrophe of global species extinction. “Art has the unique power to communicate truths and inspire people to action,” she wrote. As a nonprofit organization, the Disappearing Frogs Project inspires artists to address this global decline and take personal action to protect our environment. Artists can be a bridge to promote public awareness.
Disappearing Frogs Project produces multi-sensory, multi-day events focusing on one simple message: Amphibians are critical to the health of our planet and ultimately to the health of humankind. Why? Frogs and toads monitor the health of our planet. In the past 30 years more than 200 species of frogs have already gone extinct.
Disappearing Frogs Project brings synergy between artists and scientists to the public. Since its inception, with events and installations in North and South Carolina in galleries, art centers, museums, state university, state parks, books and theaters, hundreds of artists have created and contributed original art to the project. Scientists have delivered facts on extinction and updates on research. Thousands of art patrons, students and educators have participated. Below is a synopsis of the project, why it’s important to be involved, and some of the local partners who have supported Disappearing Frogs Project. The information on this page offers news and archives of the events from 2013 through 2016. More event are planned for 2017.
Image created and donated by Artist Manuela Strada Ballicu of Charlotte NC – February 2014 Disappearing Frogs Project Exhibition.
2016 Events and Venues
February 1 –March 3 NC State University The Crafts Center, Raleigh, NC
NC State University The Talley Student Union, Raleigh, NC
NC State Parks
February – March Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Southern Pines, NC
March – April Raven Rock State Park, Lillington, NC
March – April Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC
April 1 – April 29 Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh, NC
April North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC
History and Formation:
In February 2014, The “Disappearing Frogs Project” came to life with a thirty-day multimedia art installation at the Charlotte Art League in Charlotte, NC. More than a hundred artists responded in support of Terry’s call, contributing over 200 original paintings, sculptures and photos. The month-long event included a 25’ wall of unique frog art, another 100+ pieces of children’s art, scientific discussions led by environmental experts from around the country, and an original puppet show starring a cast of frogs artfully raising environmental issues. It was an instant success! In 2015, the project was invited by the York County Arts Council to produce the program in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Following that event, Terry Thirion was joined by Raleigh-based Pam Hopkins and together they produced the three-month long program in the Raleigh-Durham area in 2016.
Going Global, Leadership, Plans for 2016, and How to Get Involved:
In 2015 the Disappearing Frogs Project partnered with Amphibian Survival Alliance—the world’s largest partnership for amphibian conservation—to raise awareness of global amphibian declines, inspire people to take personal action to protect these incredible species, while also providing a unique opportunity for artists to support amphibian conservation, education and research.
Short, powerful video on the worldwide extinction of amphibians and the work of the
Disappearing Frogs Project to inform people, using art and science.
